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The Best Time to Visit Berlin

Getty Images / Sean Gallup

Berlin is a city that never stops. Whether you are visiting for the many festivals, non-stop nightlife, or a trip to its many historical sites, there is never a bad time to visit.

Not surprising, given its never-ending attractions, the city experiences year-round crowds. The period just after Christmas and shoulder seasons of early spring and late fall are less busy, but visits should be coordinated to take advantage of the city's many events. Perhaps the very best month to visit Berlin is in May when the weather has warmed, and festivals are in full force.

No matter when you visit the city, there will be plenty to see. Discover when to visit Berlin with a complete breakdown by month on weather , crowds, and festivals.

Weather in Berlin

Berlin has four distinct seasons , each worth a visit .

Winter in Berlin is consumed by Christmas magic . People brave the often freezing temperatures to huddle around cups of glühwein at the many Christmas markets . Snow is less frequent than in the mountainous south, but wind chill and icy conditions commonly make it feel colder than the average 32 degree F temperatures.

In spring, or frühling in German , the city comes alive with cherry blossoms and festivals. The grey skies part and temperatures rise to 40 to 55 degrees F. Rainstorms are common in late spring, so be prepared to take shelter from the furious thunder and lightning.

Summer is the golden season where grey skies are forgotten. Daylight stretches impossibly long until almost 11 p.m. Temperatures are pleasantly warm between 65 to 75 degrees F, but can be humid and spike up to 100 degrees F. The lack of air conditioning means nearly everyone heads to the water.

In autumn ( herbst ), the days begin to shorten, and temperatures drop to the low 40s. By November , it is time to pack on a jacket, and a scarf as drizzle and wind send people back inside . Snow and freezing temperatures usually don't come until winter, but may appear at the end of fall.

Crowds in Berlin

Berlin is the biggest busiest city in Germany. It has become a worldwide destination and cultural hot spot. The center of the city, Mitte , and top attractions are often flooded with tourists around Christmas and in the summer. The city sees more than 12 million overnight stays per year.

However, the city can be surprisingly quiet in the shoulder seasons. After the fireworks have flown at Silvester (New Year's Eve) until the end of May (except for crowds at Easter), and from September until the Christmas Markets at the end of November, the city is more locals than visitors.

Top Festivals in Berlin

The Berlin calendar is full of events. Here are some of the top Berlin festivals.

• Berlinale : The Berlin International Film Festival occurs every February and is one of the world's most prestigious film events.
• May Day : May kicks off with a bang on Labor Day or International Workers' Day. Full of demonstrations, revelers, and live music, Kreuzberg is full of activity on this day.
• Karneval der Kulturen : While most of the country celebrates carnival in February, Berlin reserves its festival for the summer with a much more international flair. Expect a parade, music, and dancing.
• Christmas :  Christmas in Berlin is a magical time, and Berlin has some of the country's best Weihnachtsmärkte (Christmas markets).

Berlin in January

After the twinkling lights of Christmas, things go dark in January . The country recuperates at home after the busy holiday season, until the most fabulous come out for fashion week. Expect low prices, warm clothes, discount prices, and some closures of hotels, shops, and restaurants as everyone takes a break.

Events to check out:

• Fashion Week: This event marks Berlin as the fashion capital of Germany.

Berlin in February

February is another quiet time to travel with few tourists and lower prices. Bundle up for one of the biggest festivals of the year, Berlinale , which draws film-lovers from around the world.

• Berlinale : The Berlin International Film Festival is one of the most prestigious film events in the world.
• Transmediale Festival: A festival of contemporary art and digital culture in Berlin.

Berlin in March

While most people plan trips to the south for outdoor adventures in the snow, Berlin's weather is cold without much snow. On the plus side, crowds are minimal, prices are low, and the weather is (usually) warming. March is a great time to look for attractions indoors, like the city's world-class museums , theater, and opera. The start of spring is also the start of spargel (white asparagus) season, a legitimate obsession in Germany.

• ITB Berlin: The world's largest travel trade fair brings 10,000 exhibitors from more than 180 countries to Berlin to talk travel.

Berlin in April

April is when the weather can reliably be warm, although rain is still frequent. Visitors appear in mass during the two weeks of Easter holiday when school is out in Germany. The Friday and Monday before and after Easter Sunday are national holidays, so expect government offices and retail closures. Expect accommodations to be booked out and public transport to be full. Cherry blossoms are also in season.

• Easter: This is one of the most popular holidays in Germany centered on family and tradition. Expect crowds and closures.
• Walpurgisnacht : According to German folklore, this is the night when the witches fly. Many people light bonfires to celebrate this day or stay out all night dancing.

Berlin in May

May is one of the best months to visit Berlin as the weather is at its best, crowds are still low, and there are plenty of festivals and activities to keep you busy. While sun and spontaneous hot days are the norm, it is just as common for the weather to switch to thunderstorms then back to sun. Bring an umbrella!

• May Day : Erster Mai or "Tag der Arbeit" (Labor Day/International Workers' Day) is a public holiday throughout Germany but is celebrated quite differently. In Berlin, there are musical acts and crowds on every corner in Kreuzberg with political demonstrations and riots taking place after dark.
• Baumblütenfest : Just outside of the city, a fruit wine festival within the orchards and along the river in Werder is a jubilant event.
• Christi Himmelfahrt : Ascension Day is held on a Thursday every May. It is a national holiday often called Männertag or Herrentag, with guys taking to the parks to ride bikes with wagons full of beer.
• Karneval der Kulturen : Carnival of Cultures is a multicultural version of Karneval . More than 1.5 million visitors flock to Kreuzberg to revel in the international spirit of Germany’s capital with exotic food, concerts, and a parade.

Berlin in June

Now that the weather is officially agreeable and school holidays have begun, it is time to travel. Expect crowds at attractions and busy transportation and accommodations in June in Berlin.

• Fête de la Musique : This international music festival has free musical performances that take place all over the city with everything from reggae to jazz to electronic.

Berlin in July

The dead of summer is one of the busiest times to travel to Berlin. Be aware that hotels and attractions will be at their most expensive, and there will be lines and wait times for many of the city's top sites. It is still one of the best times to see the city at its most relaxed. Perhaps you should skip the attractions and just enjoy the vibe in the park , at the bars, and living life as a Berliner.

• Berlin Fashion Week: Held twice a year in January and July , this event marks Berlin as the fashion capital of Germany.
• Classic Open Air: Classic music is played at Gendarmenmarkt, one of the most beautiful historic squares in all of Berlin.
• CSD : Berlin hosts the biggest pride parade in the country, along with discussions and demonstrations.

Berlin in August

In August , many of the locals have left, and tourists seem to fill the city. Temperatures are warm, humidity is high, and you might notice hordes of bees have also taken residence in the city. Nevertheless, it is a lovely time to enjoy the city's indoor attractions (and air conditioning), biergartens , or the many lakes to swim in. Buy an eis (ice cream) or take a boat cruise to keep cool.

• Potsdam Palace Nights : The palace and grounds of Sanssouci in Potsdam are illuminated and classical music is played for this special event.
• Pyronale: The king of fireworks events takes place at Olympic Stadium where countries battle it out with pyrotechnics.

Berlin in September

Warm weather frequently continues into September, but you might need to throw on a jacket. At this point leading into fall, prices and crowds have also begun to decrease.

• Berlin Biennale : This biannual event turns locations in the city into galleries for contemporary art.
• International Literature Festival : Not as big as Frankfurt's, this event still lasts over a week and highlights the best of literature in the last year.
• Festival of Lights : Berlin’s monuments are spectacularly lit for this festival.

Berlin in October

While October in Munich offers one of the most popular events globally, things are quieter in Berlin. There are small Oktoberfest celebrations in Berlin, but it is best to avoid that boozy imitation and enjoy what makes Berlin unique. Fall foliage is gorgeous, although the weather is still unpredictable.

• Day of German Unity: Tag der Deutschen Einheit is a Germany national holiday. It commemorates the German reunification in 1990 and is celebrated with a festival in one city of Germany.

Berlin in November

November 's weather can be harsh, and the crowds have left before returning for Christmas markets that open at the end of the month. Expect shortened daylight hours, as well as shortened hours at attractions.

• JazzFest: The Berlin Jazz Fest is one of the world's premier jazz events with big bands and large-format ensembles, international jazz stars, and the German Film orchestra Babelsberg performing.
• Jewish Cultural Days: Jüdische Kulturtage celebrates Jewish traditions surrounding the night of Kristallnacht .

Berlin in December

December is all about Christmas in Berlin. While markets are busy throughout the month, expect closures of government offices, museums, and grocery stores on the national holidays of Dec. 24 through 26th, as well as the 31st. For Silvester (New Year's Eve), expect massive fireworks displays - both professional and amateur.

• Christmas Markets : Berlin is full of markets, each with their own unique style and offerings.
• Silvester : The end of the year comes with an end of the world series of explosions.

Berlin is a bustling city and wonderful to visit all year round. Still, the very best time to go to Berlin is in May, when the weather is warm and spring festivals are in full force.

Like many German cities, the coldest month in Berlin is January, with an average temperature of 33 degrees F (0.5 degrees C).

It takes three full days just to get a taste of the things in Berlin. If you plan on adding in a day trip to an outlying area, tack another day or two onto your trip, for a total of at least five.

Weather Spark. "Average Weather in Berlin, Germany, Year Round." Retrieved March 15, 2021.

Visit Berlin. "Current Figures." Retrieved March 15, 2021.

NPR. "Battling Berlin's Bountiful Bees." August 11, 2019

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The Best Places to Visit in Berlin, Germany

Written By: Thomas Carney

Updated On: January 23, 2024

Berlin, the capital city of Germany, has a rich, storied past stretching back through the Cold War, the two world wars, to the swinging 20s and beyond. Today it is the largest city in the European Union, yet at the same time, you’ll find that Berlin is surprisingly affordable when compared to other larger European cities.

In this article, we’ll run through some of the best places to visit in Berlin, including its historical sites and attractions. Are you ready to explore this sprawling city of almost four million inhabitants based on my experience of living on and off in the city since 2008? As Germans say, “ Los geht’s! ”.

Table of Contents

Things to do in Berlin, Germany

Visiting Berlin? Book your private airport transfer from the Berlin Brandenburg Airport. We love booking a private transfer when landing in a new city. The meet and greet service at the airport’s arrival hall makes for a seamless transfer in comfort to our hotel lobby.

This article about popular historic tourist attractions in Berlin was originally written by Berlin resident Thomas Carney . It has been updated and expanded for 2022 with fresh new Berlin tours and places to stay.

1. Visit the Reichstag

The Reichstag building is the home of the German Parliament. Famously, its burning in 1933 was a trigger for the Nazi’s consolidation of power. After German reunification in 1990, the rebuilt Reichstag was restored after years of neglect since World War II and today is one of the most popular sites in all of Germany thanks to free entrance to the glass dome on top that gives spectacular views of Berlin. The glass dome was created for more than just the view; it represents transparency and Germany’s united democracy.

You’ll have to register ahead of time to book a visit, and it’s important to bring your ID. Personally, my favorite time to visit is just before closing when you get a view of Berlin at night.

2. Stop by Brandenburg Gate

No visit to Berlin would be complete without visiting one of Berlin’s most famous gathering places. Located just five minutes walk away from the Reichstag building, you’ll find the famous Brandenburg Gate, Berlin’s old city gate. It was in front of this monument that Regan issued an ultimatum to the Soviet leader, Gorbachev, to tear down the Berlin Wall. To the east of the gate, you’ll find the Pariser square, which leads on to “Unter den Linden”, a wide boulevard leading down towards Museum Island, which is lined with embassies, five-star hotels, and high-end boutiques.

We took this Berlin Third Reich Walking Tour that visited all the major attractions and historical spots in Berlin. Meeting at Brandenburg Gate, we began the tour by listening to the history of the final days leading up to World War II. We passed the rebuilt Reichstag and seat of the German House of Parliament, visited the Soviet War Memorial in Tiergarten, The Holocaust Memorial, and Hitler’s Bunker, which is now a very unremarkable parking lot.

3. Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

Berlin is full of reminders of the crimes of the Nazi era, from the brass-plated stones you’ll find in the sidewalks marking the last residence of victims of the Nazi regime to monuments such as The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, also known as The Holocaust Memorial is a monument is located centrally just beside Brandenburg Gate. It’s made up of 2711 rectangular blocks that descend deeper as you walk further into the memorial, giving you a sense of isolation and unease.

The Holocaust Memorial is free to visit, and it is suitable for wheelchairs. Located underground beneath the memorial, you’ll find an information center on the Holocaust with free entrance almost every day.

4. Checkpoint Charlie

Checkpoint Charlie is the most famous border crossing point between East Berlin and West Berlin, and it is featured in countless films such as Bridge of Spies. It was the top tourist attraction we wanted to see when visiting Berlin. (outside the Berlin Wall, of course) The Wall Museum at Checkpoint Charlie, which provides information on the Berlin Wall, is worth a visit. Read: Top 16 Fun Facts About Germany That You Probably Didn’t Know

We took a free walking tour in Berlin to see many of the historical sites in Berlin. We highly recommend free city tours as they are often hosted by a local, and when the tour is over, you only pay what you can to suit everyone’s budget. We recommend 10 Euros per person, but it really is up to you. We took the Original Free Berlin walking tour here.

4. Visit a Remaining Piece of the Berlin Wall

Remnants of the Berlin Wall that separated East Berlin from West Berlin still exist around the city. One such place is the Berlin Wall Memorial, where you’ll find a visitor center along with a remaining section of the wall. Another section of the Berlin Wall Memorial that is popular is the East Side Gallery on the Spree River, which has many famous graffiti sections.

The Berlin Wall memorial is one of the top attractions in Berlin, and there are several places to see its remains. We took a Street Art and Workshop in Berlin and it was amazing. Graffiti has a strong history in Berlin and is entrenched in its history. Learn about its origins and then have a lesson on how to make some street art of your own. This tour shows you how to create graffiti with spray paints (it’s harder than it looks) and then paint your graffiti on the original Berlin Wall, where you’ll get a picture of your Graffiti on the historic wall. Get more details here.

5. The Berlin TV Tower at Alexanderplatz

East Germany built the TV Tower to be a symbol of the technological advances of the Eastern Bloc in 1969. Today, the Berlin TV Tower is the highest vantage point in Berlin. You can take an elevator up to the 203-meter-high observation deck and viewing platform, where you’ll get the best view in all of Berlin. This being Germany, you can also enjoy a beer at the top of the bar or even eat at the restaurant that slowly revolves around to give you a 360-degree view of Berlin.

You can book tickets in advance here for fast-track tickets and priority entrance to Berlin’s Television Tower at an exclusive window seat in the Sphere restaurant. From 200 meters (656 feet) above the city admire views of the Reichstag, Berlin Cathedral, the Olympic Stadium, and Potsdamer Platz. See more information here

6. Museum Island

Berlin is home to some amazing museums. Conveniently, you’ll find five world-class museums situated on Museum Island right in the center of Berlin. Museum Island (Museumsinsel) is located in the middle of the Spree River. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most frequented museums in all of Europe.

As these museums on Museum Island have large collections, I personally would choose one to visit rather than trying to take in all five in one day. Let’s break down the museums individually to help you decide which one to see. Hours: 8 to Midnight daily

Pergamon Museum – Perhaps the most famous on Museum Island, the Pergamon Museum Art Museum has been undergoing renovations since 2013. (so expect exhibits to be closed and have long lines). In the Middle East Museum, you’ll find entire historical buildings such as the Pergamon Altar, Ishtar Gate of Babylon, and the Processional Way from Babylon. The Islamic Art Museum lets you discover artifacts from Muslim as well as Christian and Jewish groups and the Antiquity Collection houses one of the most significant collections of Greek and Roman Art. Book your entrance ticket in advance here.

Altes Museum – The Altes Museum has an amazing collection of Greek and Roman antiquities where you will immerse in the art and culture of the Greeks and Romans. There are monumental columns and a rotunda inspired by the Pantheon Tickets can be bought here.

Alte Nationalgalerie – The Old National Art Gallery houses Neoclassicism, Romanticism, Biedermeier, Impressionism, and early Modernity. Highlights include Sleeping Beauty and Impressionist works by French Impressionists such as Manet, Monet, and Renoir. Discover Romanticism with The Monk by the Sea, the Group of Princesses, and the Gothic Cathedral at the Water. Tickets here

Neues Museum – See three museums in one at the Neues Museum. It has exhibits from the Egyptian Museum, the Antique Collection, and the Museum of Prehistory and Early History. Highlights of the Neues Museum include the famous bust of Queen Neferti and Priam’s Treasure from the Heinrich Schliemann collection. Get your tickets here.

The Bode Museum houses the Museum of Byzantine Art and the Sculpture Collection, plus one of the largest coin collections in the world. Get your tickets here. All museums are part of the UNESCO World Heritage designation.

7. Berlin Cathedral

When visiting any European city it is always worthwhile going into the city’s main cathedral. The beautiful Berlin Cathedral is topped by picturesque domes, creating a striking scene. It is the largest cathedral in Berlin and is located near Museum Island. Like so much of Berlin, it was heavily damaged during World War II but has been restored. Make sure to climb to the top for views of the city, and don’t forget to visit the crypts below.

Take this boat tour – A boat tour is an amazing way to see the capital city from the water while enjoying a light lunch. See the government district, Bellevue Palace, and Berlin Central Station on the 2.5-hour boat tour along the River Spree.

8. Stop by Gendarmenmarkt for a Coffee

Berlin was largely destroyed in the Second World War, so many parts of the city lack the historical buildings of other European capitals. One exception is Gendarmenmarkt, a market square situated between Under Den Linden and Checkpoint Charlie. It’s perfect for sitting out on a cafe terrace and enjoying a coffee before your next stop of the day.

Over the holiday season , you’ll find one of Berlin’s best Christmas markets in Berlin at Gendarmenmarkt, where you can sample mulled wine and German Christmas biscuits.

9. Oberbaum Bridge

Spanning the Spree River, The Oberbaum Bridge (The Oberbaumbrücke) is one of the most photographed places in Berlin. It was used as a checkpoint between East and West Berlin during the Cold War from 1961 to 1989 and has become a symbol of Berlin’s unity. It was.

Built in 1895, the Oberbaum Bridge, this beautiful double-deck bridge spans the River Spree connecting the districts of Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain. The two decks are for transportation, the upper carrying the U-Bahn and the lower being a roadway. It was used as a checkpoint

10. Tiergarten

Tiergarten is to Berlin as Central Park is to New York . Spanning 519 acres, it is the heart of the city, bordering major attractions like Brandenburg Gate. It was once the royal hunting grounds but, in the late 17th century, was turned into a leisure park.

After WWII many of the trees were cut down and used as fuel in the winter, but in 1949, many trees were replanted from donations across Germany. Inside the park, there are tree-lined paths, a Biergarten, and Siegessäule (Victory Column). Note you can climb to the top of the Victory Column for a birds-eye view.

11. Berlin Zoo

While we typically don’t recommend zoos, but the Berlin Zoo has extensive breeding programs to reintroduce endangered species. It is located in Tiergarten, and it works to keep animals in natural environments as close to their natural habitats as possible.

12. Berlin Nightlife

Berlin probably has one of the most lively nightlife scenes in all of Europe, and no visit to Berlin would be complete without going out at least once! We chose the nightlife scene in the artsy and bohemian district of Kreuzberg for our evenings out. Other hot nightclub areas in Berlin include Torstrasse in the clubbing district of Mitte and the historic Nollendorfplatz in Schöneberg (the oldest LGBTQ neighborhood). Berlin is famous for having everything from techno dance clubs to indie rock bars.

13. Charlottenburg Palace

Located a little outside the center of the capital city, Charlottenburg Palace is the largest palace in Germany. Take a tour to see the apartments of Frederick the Great. For something unique to do in Berlin, book An Evening at Charlottenburg Palace that includes dinner and a concert experience with the Berlin Residence Orchestra. Charlottenburg Palace was a former summer residence for the royal House of Hohenzollern. You can book your tour in advance here.

14. Kaufhaus des Westen (KaDeWe)

It’s the largest department store in continental Europe and has been welcoming patrons for more than 100 years. It was destroyed after WWII but reopened in the 1950s and has become one of Berlin’s top tourist attractions. It’s a great place for shopping for souvenirs and name brands all under one roof. This is also a good place to grab a bit to eat. Head to the 6th floor for some affordable and delicious German food. German Food: 20 Traditional Dishes To Try in Germany or At Home

Where To Stay to Make the Most of Your Berlin Trip

If you’re excited about Berlin and want to make a trip out of it, you then have the question of where to stay. Berlin is a sprawling city, so making sure you choose the right location to stay in will make a big difference. We have a whole article dedicated to Where To Stay in Berlin: Best Areas To Stay For First-Time Visitors .

As you may have noticed, many of the popular historical sites of Berlin are found in “Mitte”, literally meaning Center in German. If you have the budget, this is a great area to stay in as it is within walking distance to many popular sites and attractions. Hotels along the “ Unter den Linden ” Boulevard are very centrally located but also among the most expensive in Berlin.

Accommodation around the “ Volkspark am Weinberg ” offers an excellent mix of locations as well as great surrounding restaurants and bars.

• Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin – Berlin’s premier hotel located right next to the Brandenburg Gate.
• AC Hotel by Marriott – close to Teirgartn and the attractions in Berlin Mitte with a more affordable price tag.
• Radisson Collection Hotel Berlin – located in Berlin Mitte near Alexanderplatz Square just opposite the Berlin Cathedral.

How to Get Around Berlin, Germany

Berlin has a very efficient public transportation system. The best way to get around Berlin is by using the underground trains known as the U-Bahn. You can purchase tickets per zone, and there are ten different lines. Most of the tourist attractions in Berlin are located in zones A and B. Zone A spans the city center of Berlin, including the S-Bahn-Ring. Zone B begins outside the S-Bahn ring and goes to the city limits. The fare zone Berlin AB is used most by travelers.

The U-Bahn runs 24 hours on weekends and 1 am on weekdays. Before boarding the U-Bahn, make sure to validate your ticket in the machine. You can’t simply purchase a ticket and walk on, it must be validated beforehand.

You can download the BVG App to help you get around Berlin. We also use Google Maps to get around cities, you can easily follow the best transportation route on Google Maps.

When’s the Best Time to Visit Berlin, Germany

The best time to visit Berlin is from May to September. This is when the weather is pleasant, there are plenty of festivals and events, and it’s great for patio season. In my opinion, the month of May is the best time to visit Berlin, as you’ll enjoy warm weather without overheating (Germans don’t do air conditioning as a rule). The city also feels incredibly vibrant as people awake from the long winter.

Berlin winters are long, cold, and dark. In mid-December, the light will start to fade around 3:30 pm. However, the Christmas markets with mulled wine and holiday decorations do offset the dreary winters.

April and October are also good times to visit Berlin, and you can find better deals during the shoulder season.

Berlin Tours

Dave and I took our tours in Berlin with Get Your Guide. It is our go-to tour company when traveling. This highly rated Berlin Wall and Graffiti walking tour is a great way to explore Berlin’s alternative art and graffiti culture. We really enjoyed this graffiti-inspired walking tour along the streets of the Mitte, Kreuzberg, and Friedrichshain districts.

And there you have it, the best places in Berlin, Germany. If you are visiting the capital city, make sure to spend a few days discovering its history, culture, and nightlife scene. Have you been to Berlin? Share your Berlin travel tips and advice in the comments below.

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Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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About Thomas Carney

Thomas is an Irish resident of Berlin who loves travel, hiking and the outdoors. As a fan of minimalist backpacking, he writes about minimalist packing lists and merino gear at MerinoWoolRocks.com

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8 thoughts on “The Best Places to Visit in Berlin, Germany”

Berlin’s rich history is fascinating, and this article does a great job of highlighting key attractions like the Reichstag and the Brandenburg Gate. It’s impressive to see how Berlin has transformed over the years, while still preserving its past. The Reichstag’s glass dome is not only a remarkable architectural feature but also a symbol of Germany’s united democracy. I’ve found that having a map at hand is essential when exploring sprawling cities like Berlin. The tip about visiting the Reichstag just before closing for a nighttime view is a gem. Overall, this article provides valuable insights for anyone planning a trip to Germany’s capital.

I added Germany tour in my calendar may be 2024. I am thankful for your blog and shared knowledge able information

It makes me want to go back to Berlin after reading this post! There is so much to do there that I will definitely check out the locations you mentioned and that I haven’t visited yet the next time I visit. Thank you very much for sharing your site, I received a lot of help from it. You’ve done a fantastic job on your own site, and I really enjoy it.

They are masterminds when it comes to the R32 and VR6 prototype. And don’t forget the W12 edition also. 🙂

Good !! Definatly once I Want To Visit .

Berlin is one of my most favorite cities! I lived there for a year and hold the city close to my heart 🙂 I can’t wait to go there again – perhaps for ITB in March! Thanks for the rundown of the historical sights in Berlin. I love the Reichstag and pretty much everything. Even though the Checkpoint Charlie has become a bit too touristy to my liking. Berlin is an awesome place to visit!

i will plan to visit in berlin soon once i have a free time by this coming summer, a wonderful place to be with thanks

Berlin seems to be a lively city despite its dark past. Would love to explore its historic places.

A First Timer’s Guide to Visiting Berlin // 15 Tips to Know Before You Go

During Nick’s last European tour we had a few days to spend visiting Berlin in between his shows. Having only heard rave reviews about the city, we were excited to finally get a chance to see what the big fuss was about.

Lately, on these shorter trips we’ve been taking, I haven’t been planning much until we get there. After arriving in Berlin, I realized that while this approach has worked out for us in smaller cities, I should’ve had a better plan for Berlin.

It was a little overwhelming! Keep reading for everything I wish I would’ve known, plus where to stay, what to eat and just some general good-to-know tips for visiting Berlin.

A FIRST TIMER’S GUIDE TO VISITING BERLIN // WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

How to get to berlin city center from the airport.

Tegel Airport to Berlin City Center 

The fastest and cheapest way to city center from Tegel Airport is by using one of the Airport Express Busses. You can catch the busses outside of the terminal, they leave every 10 minutes. The journey takes around 35 minutes and costs €2.80.

For information on which Express bus to take click here 

Schonefeld Airport to Berlin City Center 

The quickest and easiest way to get from Schonefeld Airport to the city center is by the Airport Express train.

The Airport Express (RE7 and RB14) costs €3, it takes 28 minutes to reach Berlin’s central train station (Hauptbahnhof) and trains run from 05:00am to 11pm. Make sure your ticket includes zone C.

MAKE YOUR REICHSTAG DOME RESERVATION IN ADVANCE

The Reichstag building is one of the top things to do while visiting Berlin and the glass dome on top of the building is a must see. Unfortunately, we didn’t know you needed an advanced reservation and it was entirely booked during our trip.

Admission is free. C lick here to visit their official website.

Or click here to purchase the 2 hour tour including a visit to the dome. 

WHAT TO EAT & DRINK IN BERLIN

While you’ll find popular German dishes (schnitzel, eisbein etc) in most restaurants, there are a few food items Berlin is especially known for that you might want to check out.

CURRYWURST  Garnering just as much love as doner kebabs, currywurst is another mega popular street food favorite. It’s made out of pork sausage with sweet curry ketchup and a pinch of curry spice on top. The most legendary currywurst stalls in Berlin are Curry 36 in Kreuzeberg and Konnopke in Prenzlauer Berg.

BERLINER A Berliner Pfannkuchen is a traditional german pastry which is basically a jelly filled donut. They usually come with icing or powdered sugar on top.

VEGAN FOOD Berlin was named Vegan Capital of the World by Happy Cow in 2017. The city has 471 restaurants that cater to vegans as well as the largest vegan grocery store chain, Veganz. 

BERLINER WEISS   A lightly sour, low alcohol beer usually served with a shot of syrup. Berliner Weiss is a popular summer drink.

RELATED POST: STREET FOOD THURSDAY AT MARKETHALLE NEUN IN BERLIN 

GO DURING THE SUMMER

Everyone I’ve ever met who’s been to Berlin loves it. Unfortunately for us, it just didn’t click and we were left wondering what we did wrong.

I’m certain that the weather was responsible for our mixed feelings. Most of the things we wanted to do were closed and we were constantly being forced inside due to the rain.

It’s my fault for trying make beer gardens and outdoor clubs happen in the rain but I’m from California and sometimes I forget the rest of the world has to deal with seasons. If possible, go during the warmer months. Or, unlike me,  just make a more weather suitable itinerary. 🙂

WATCH FOR CYCLISTS

There are a lot of bicycles in Berlin and on the walkways, the road is divided into 2 sections. One side for pedestrians and one for cyclists. If it’s your first time visiting Berlin, it’s easy to wander onto the wrong path.

Most cyclists will ring their bell if they’re coming up behind you, but it’s best to stay aware and off the bike lane.

VALIDATE YOUR TRANSPORTATION TICKETS BEFORE YOU BOARD

After purchasing a ticket for the bus or metro, you’ll need to validate it before you start your journey. Validation machines are located on the platforms and in busses. Occasionally plainclothes ticket inspectors will check validations so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

If you have purchased a day pass, you only need to validate your ticket the first time you use it.

BUY A PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION DAY PASS

Berlin is a huge city and chances are you’ll find yourself on the U-Bhan quite a bit. Single journey tickets cost €2.80 or you can buy a day pass for €7.70.

Day passes are good for all public transportation in Berlin (S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, trams and ferries) and include up to 3 children (ages 6-14). 

Just note that the Berlin travel day passes are not valid for 24 hours, and they expire at 3am.

POWER SOCKETS & VOLTAGE

In Germany standard voltage is 230V and frequency is 50HZ and they use type F power sockets.

You will need a voltage converter if your country’s standard voltage is 100V – 127 V (US, Canada & most of South America). You don’t need a voltage converter if your country’s voltage is between 200V-240V (most of Europe, UK, Australia, Africa).

BERLIN IS NOT BAVARIA

I feel like this is probably common knowledge to most people, but it wasn’t to us..

In 2016, we visited Munich and vibed hard with Bavaria’s beer culture. We just assumed the entire country got down like that, leaving us a little disappointed in Berlin.

After an inauthentic visit to Hofbrauhaus Berlin we immediately realized our mistake. It was like going to Las Vegas and expecting to see the real Eiffel Tower..

RELATED POST: HOFBRAUHAUS MUNICH // THE POPULAR BEER  HALL’S DARK PAST

So don’t be like us. Instead, immerse yourself in what Berlin has to offer, which is arguably some of the best nightlife in the world.

THE COLORED PIPES

This isn’t imperative information but you might find yourself wondering what the colorful pipes are snaking throughout the city.

Groundwater in Berlin is located just 2 meters (6.5 ft) under the city surface. To eliminate city flooding, the pipes pump water from the ground and transport it to the canals.

TIPPING IN BERLIN

As a traveler from the US (where we’re expected to tip for everything), I’m always researching tipping in other countries. While visiting Berlin, we discovered that while the tipping culture is much more lax, on average, you still tip the same people.

RESTAURANTS In restaurants a service charge will be added to your bill but tipping is still expected. 10%-15% is common. BARTENDERS   Round up to the nearest Euro. HOTELS It is common to tip the porter €1-2 per bag and the housekeepers €2-3 per day. TAXIS Round up to the nearest Euro on short trips. On long trips, add a Euro or two.

BOTTLE DEPOSITS

In bars, you might find yourself paying a bottle deposit when you order a beer. Get your money back by returning your card/token before you leave.

THE BERLIN WELCOME CARD

If you will be in Berlin for several days and plan on doing a lot of sightseeing, you might want to consider The Berlin Welcome Card. It offers free transportation during your stay and also discounted (25%-50%) admission to many of the museums, attractions, restaurants and tours.

What you plan to do in Berlin will determine whether or not the Berlin Welcome card will be worth the money for you. Make sure to line up your itinerary with their discounted offers before buying, just to be sure.

For more information about The Berlin Welcome Card click here. 

BRUSH UP ON SOME HISTORY

A first timer’s visit is not complete without paying homage to Berlin’s turbulent history. This city has been through it, and the evidence is still here for everyone to see.

Whether you seek out WWII sites, or are more interested in the Cold War, it’s a good idea to do a bit of historical research before visiting Berlin. It’ll make everything a lot more impactful. Promise.

RELATED POSTS:

THE EAST SIDE GALLERY // A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO THE BERLIN WALL  CHECKPOINT CHARLIE // THE COLD WAR IN BERLIN 

THE MUSEUM PASS

Berlin has over 170 museums. If you’re into this, check out the Museum Pass. It’s €29 and includes free admission to 30+ museums over the course of 3 days.

For more information about the Museum Pass click here.

A FIRST TIMER’S GUIDE TO VISITING BERLIN // WHERE TO STAY

HUETTENPALAST   How adorable is this? At the retro-themed hotel, Huettenpalast, guests sleep in   (indoor) caravans or wooden cabins. 

For Huettenpalast Information & Booking Click Here   

OSTEL DDR HOSTEL/HOTEL  is located in the central Mitte district and takes guests back in time to East Berlin’s former communist days. The rooms are decorated in authentic 1970’s East German style with original GDR furniture.

  For Ostel DDR Information & Booking Click Here

MID-RANGE €€

BIKINI BERLIN  is a stylish, urban jungle hotel located in the city center complete with a hammock lounge, rooftop terrace and free mini car & bicycle rentals.

Bikini Berlin Info & Booking Click Here 

NHOW HOTEL Europe’s first music themed hotel with a futuristic, very pink design. Nhow offers guests professional recording studios and guitars are available on the room service menu.

Nhow Hotel Booking & Information Click Here 

PATRICK HELLMANN SCHLOSSHOTEL is a  luxury boutique hotel in the prestigious Grunewald district. It was once a former mansion built in 1914, and when it was turned into a hotel, Karl Lagerfeld exclusively designed the stylish interiors. 

For Patrick Hellmann Schlosshotel Booking & Info Click Here 

HOTEL ADLON is one  of Berlin’s most luxurious hotels with Old Europe vibes and an excellent location (next to the Brandenburg Gate).

Famous guests include Albert Einstein, Her Majesty the Queen, and who could forget when Michael Jackson dangled his baby out of the hotel’s window when he was visiting Berlin in 2002.  

For Hotel Adlon Booking & Info Click Here 

Do you have any Berlin travel tips to add for first timers? Leave them in the comments! 

PIN IT // A FIRST TIMER’S GUIDE TO VISITING BERLIN

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored. Some of the links in this post are affiliate which means if you click them and buy something from the site, I receive a small commission (at no cost to you).

2 thoughts on “A First Timer’s Guide to Visiting Berlin // 15 Tips to Know Before You Go”

This is a definition of guide. Thanks for all information! 💛

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When is the best time to visit Berlin?

Jul 28, 2023 • 5 min read

Summer brings a whirlwind of open-air festivals and club nights to Berlin © Hinterhaus Productions / Getty Images

Berlin is a place that makes boredom impossible. Discovering Germany’s capital, and its true depth of historical and cultural richness, gifts you jam-packed days and sprints between attractions. And that’s just the sightseeing! There is also so much cool stuff to do.

From its pulsating nightlife to vibrant cultural events and big festivals, Berlin is a city that thrives on creativity and non-stop action. Whatever time of year you visit, excitement, and inevitably exhaustion, will be in store.

To help you make the most of your time and energy, we've gathered all the info you need about what's happening in Berlin and when – you just need to pick the perfect month for you.

June to August is the best time for street parties and open-air raves

Summertime brings out the best of Berlin. Sunshine penetrates the generally gruff vibe Germany’s capital is associated with and brings out atmospheric buskers, picnickers and canal-paddlers, and the cheery side of brusque service staff.

Street life, from beer gardens to flea markets and Späti stoops, takes on party vibes as temperatures rise. But nothing defines Berlin’s most giddy and chaotic season more than its summer street festivals and open-air events .

The festival season kicks off like a Roman candle on the 21st of June (solstice) with Fête de la Musique , comprising hundreds of free concerts on open-air stages. It’s followed in July by two party-hardy parades, counting hundreds of thousands of revelers apiece: Rave the Planet and Christopher Street Day . The first, in early July, is a techno street march inspired by Berlin’s legendary Love Parade with DJs bumping bass on stage floats, and crowds swathed in neon club gear. Meanwhile, CSD, or Berlin Pride, is a celebration of drag, generous body glitter, and naked torsos hoisting rainbow flags and blasting boomboxes.

These festivals aside, Berlin is at its most lively and frenetic throughout the entire summer, with late sunsets fueling 24/7 open-air clubbing and group gatherings at parks. Along with the sweltering heat, this party whirlwind can get a little exhausting, which is why many locals retreat to nearby lakes, swimming pools, and well, Greece on their time off.

If you’re in, be ready to accept some of the disadvantages of visiting Berlin during high season – long queues at clubs and attractions are expected, as well as litter everywhere (especially after street parties – public drinking is legal in Germany). Subways and trams are also at their most smelly and crowded – rent a bike to avoid them!

March to May and September to October are the best times for good weather and experiencing Berlin like a local

Berlin’s shoulder season has a few advantages that make it an unexpectedly superior time to visit. The city isn’t crowded yet, and the weather is at its most pleasant (except for some spring showers). Green lungs have more space to go around, perfect for sunbathing and solitude. All in all, this tends to be the season that locals adore the most and visiting now is a chance to share such revelry.

March, though still definitely jacket-weather, is special as Berliners palpably perk up as life starts moving outdoors. By month’s end, park greenery becomes lush and cherry blossoms burst with color (mid-April’s Cherry Blossom Festival at  Gardens of the World is a highlight). Many nightclubs and restaurants, too, begin opening their gardens and terraces respectively – and getting in on a whim is much easier than in high season.

By May Day , Berliners’ favorite festivity of the year, all the anticipation of nice weather is over. During this public holiday, thousands take to Kreuzberg streets and parks; public greens such as Schlesischer Busch runneth over with makeshift DJ booths blasting electronic beats for boogying masses. Once upon a time, May Day was when armed police and leftist demonstrators locked heads, but these days it’s about celebration – although, visitors should still beware of other annoyances like shattered beer bottles, public urination and pickpockets.

At the end of May, Carnaval de Culture takes over Kreuzberg. The festival parade celebrates Berlin's multi-kulti (multicultural) diversity with four days of song and culture – think street vendors serving strong caipirinhas, ravishing Carnival costumes, and Brazilian samba queens, Chinese lion dancers, and West African drummers parading through the streets. It is just as busy and well-attended as May Day but definitely offers more of a family vibe.

Meanwhile, as summer makes way for fall in September and October, Berlin’s frenzied energy subsides a bit. Berliners, mostly back to work and school, are admittedly sun-fatigued and pour what’s left of their energy into bidding the season adieu. Notoriously sunny weather over the last few years has seen clubs push their closing parties from the end of September into early October. These are the perfect opportunity to rub shoulders with well-versed partiers for intimate sets from Berlin’s best local DJs.

November to February is the best time for the cheapest stays and shorter queues

While locals flock elsewhere due to cold temps and shorter days, it can still be a great time to visit – far fewer visitors at museums and galleries, hearty German dishes taste even better, cozy candlelit haunts come to life and accommodation is at its cheapest. Hotel rates take a dip and many Berliners sublet their apartments – and if you're willing to be a trusty plant nanny or cat-sitter, some may even let you stay for free (Facebook groups and websites like WG-Gesucht are great places to find sublets).

All December long, the city stays festive thanks to Christmas market madness and stands doling out mulled wine and candied almonds, while January brings Berlin’s Green Week , a nine-day sustainability fair and a serious cultural highlight for tasty food and innovative fashion.

New Year’s Eve, or in German, Silvester, is notoriously bliss or bust in the capital depending on whether you prefer relaxation or rowdiness. It’s a chance to hit the streets, and the big official bash at Brandenburg Gate, guzzling bubbly from bottles and dodging fireworks from amateur pyros.

If you can put up with dark skies and gray cityscapes, there are even a couple more perks: weekend dinner reservations are easier to come by on short notice, plus dance floors around the city gloriously thin out (read: shorter queues at iconic spots like Berghain and KitKatClub ).

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About visitBerlin

Our task in promoting the city is rather like an impresario who draws the curtain to one side and says: See for yourself – this is Berlin! Burkhard Kieker, CEO visitBerlin

“Inspiring the world for Berlin.” With this mission, Berlin Tourismus & Kongress GmbH promotes Berlin’s destination management as well as the city’s tourism and congress marketing . Under the visitBerlin brand, the company is a partner, actor, source of creative ideas, and networker. Its remit is focused on sustainable product development and marketing city-compatible tourism services in all twelve Berlin boroughs with the aim of maintaining the life quality of local residents and harmoniously increasing experience value for visitors.

For almost 30 years, visitBerlin (Berlin Tourismus & Kongress GmbH) has been globally promoting Berlin as a brand . Today, employees are actively working in Berlin and around the world to position Berlin as a major tourism destination and congress location. visitBerlin showcases Berlin at hundreds of events globally, attracts international journalists and bloggers to the city and supports them on their research trips here. In the convention sector, the visitBerlin Berlin Convention Office acquires conferences, fairs and congresses for Germany’s capital city.

As a tour operator, visitBerlin also issues the Berlin WelcomeCard , the city’s official tourist ticket. The company also operates the Berlin Tourist Info Centres. On visitBerlin.de , Berlin’s official tourism website, visitors can find all the information they need on every aspect of their trip to the city. Find out more about visitBerlin on about.visitBerlin.de . visitBerlin is funded by the Berlin Senate as a public-private partnership . However, a sizable proportion of its budget is generated by its own activities and reinvested in promotional campaigns for Berlin.

visitBerlin is ranked as one of Europe’s most successful destination management organisations. The company shareholders are the non-profit organisation visitBerlin Partnerhotels e.V., as well as the Land of Berlin and the Investitionsbank Berlin, and three limited companies: the Flughafen Berlin Brandenburg GmbH, the Messe Berlin GmbH and TMB Tourismus Marketing Brandenburg GmbH.

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Best Times To Visit Berlin

The best time to visit Berlin is May through September, when the weather is ideal for cafe sitting, relaxing in a park, and leisurely city strolling. Winter, on the other hand, is   cold, however the city’s nightlife and arts scene continue to thrive and entertain travelers. Temperatures tend to range from 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter. However, this might be the best time for budget travelers to score deals on airfare and hotel rates.

Weather in Berlin

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

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Popular Times to Visit Berlin

Tourism volume is estimated based on in-market destination search query interest from Google and on travel.usnews.com in 2015-2016. Hotel prices are sourced from a sample of U.S. News Best Hotels rates through 2015-2016.

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The History Hit Miscellany of Facts, Figures and Fascinating Finds

10 Historic Places to See in Berlin

Dating to the 13th century, germany's vibrant capital berlin is brimming with history. here's 10 sites that you can't miss..

Lucy Davidson

06 sep 2021, @lucejuiceluce.

As the European Union’s most populous city, Berlin is an artistic, historic, and social hub. The city has been under the rule of the Kingdom Of Prussia, the German Empire, the Weimar Republic, and the Third Reich. After the Second World War, it was famously severed in half by the Berlin Wall, which was only taken down in 1989. As a result, there are endless monuments, museums, and historical sites to explore the capital’s multifaceted history with.

From famous places steeped in history like the Reichstag, to lesser-known sites like Berlin Flak Tower, there’s a wealth of sites to visit. Here’s our pick of 10 of the best.

1. Brandenburg Gate

Probably Berlin’s most famous landmark, the Brandenburg Gate is a stunning Romanesque structure modelled on the ancient gateway to the Acropolis in Athens. Standing at the heart of the city, the Gate is a symbol of the German capital and is consistently ranked among the top 10 things to see in Berlin.

Commissioned by King Frederick William II of Prussia and built between 1788 and 1791, today, visitors from around the world come to see the Brandenburg Gate and its ornate carvings, including its dramatic depiction of Victoria, the Roman goddess of victory, driving a horse drawn chariot.

2. Reichstag

No visit to Berlin can miss the famous German parliament building, the Reichstag. One of the most popular places to visit in Berlin, the Reichstag Building as we know it today is a fusion of the original 19th century building – heavily damaged by the infamous fire of 1933 and subsequent WWII bombing – and a restoration project which finished in 1999.

As well as viewing the stunning architecture particularly the remarkable roof terrace and dome, visitors can explore more via guided tours are available, but these must be booked in writing well in advance.

3. Berlin Wall

Probably the most famous of all the places to see in Berlin, the Berlin Wall split the city and was a dramatic symbol of the ideological struggle of the Cold War. An 87 mile long concrete barrier that divided East and West Berlin, the Wall was the most obvious embodiment of the so-called ‘Iron Curtain’ between eastern and western Europe.

The fall of the Berlin Wall finally occurred on 9 November 1989, and was almost completely dismantled in the weeks that followed. Very few segments of the wall remain today, but those that have are extremely popular for visitors and locals alike. The largest section can be found at the open air East Side Gallery, although small sections are dotted throughout the city.

4. Berliner Dom

One of the most stunning buildings in Berlin, Berliner Don is an exceptionally beautiful early 20th century Cathedral built during the reign of Kaiser Wilhelm II. Constructed between 1894 and 1905, this ornate structure is crowned with a remarkable, imposing dome and is now open to the public to explore.

It’s the capital’s largest and most important Protestant church and, when it comes to deciding what to see in Berlin, this hugely popular landmark is an absolute must.

5. The Holocaust Memorial - Berlin

History runs to the very heart of Berlin, and while joyous events are celebrated, there are a number of sites which document darker moments from the city’s past. Berlin has made the conscious decision to ensure that the horror of the Nazi regime and the Holocaust are not forgotten. One of the most moving sites of all is the Holocaust Memorial.

The Holocaust Memorial is a vast granite maze covering 19,000 square metres which remembers the millions of European Jews murdered by the Nazis. It makes for sombre and thought-provoking viewing.

6. The Pergamon Museum

Located on Museum Island, the Pergamon Museum showcases a vast and fascinating world famous collection of ancient artefacts, Ancient Near East, and Islamic art. For lovers of history, it ranks as one of the very best things to do in Berlin.

As well as a host of incredible artefacts, the museum houses monumental structures such as the Pergamon Altar and the Market Gate of Miletus, which all consist of original parts brought from their original locations in Turkey.

7. Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church

Originally built in the 1890’s and dedicated to Kaiser William I by his grandson Kaiser William II, today the fusion of Romanesque and modern architecture make the Kaiser Wilhelm Church a fascinating place to explore.

Seemingly odd to view from the outside – being as it is a largely 18th century tower with a modern concrete, steel and glass hulk attached – inside the Church is truly stunning, with beautiful glass walls and an epic feel. A truly unique experience.

8. Berlin Stasi Prison

An infamous East German prison which operated during the Cold War, the Berlin Stasi Prison is a memorial to those who were persecuted there. Following WWII, East Berlin was under the occupation of Soviet Russia as the German Democratic Republic (GDR) and the Stasi were the official security forces of this state. The Berlin Stasi Prison became the detention centre for anyone considered hostile to the state until it was eventually disbanded in 1989 as the GDR began to falter.

Today, the prison is a memorial to those who were detained there and is a stark reminder of the atrocities carried out during the Cold War. Tours are offered and visitors can see a film about the prison’s history.

9. The Berlin Flak Tower

One of the more hidden and obscure places in Berlin to visit, the Berlin Flak Tower is a Second World War anti-aircraft station and bunker which can now be seen via organised tours run by the Berlin Underground Association.

Visitors can explore three of the seven floors of the bunker and discover the astounding underground landscape. The most striking experience that the site offers is the opportunity to stare deep down into the very depths of the building.

10. Charlottenburg Palace

Built in 1713 as a summer getaway for the first queen of Prussia, Charlottenburg is Berlin’s largest royal estate. One of Berlin’s most beautiful museums, the architecture is predominantly baroque, reflecting the taste during the period when it was first constructed.

Today, Charlottenburg ranks among the top places to visit in Berlin and visitors can undertake a guided tour through both the Old Palace and the New Wing. Tours guide visitors through the rich family history of Sophie Charlotte, in addition to the property’s extensive collection of artworks.

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A First Timer’s Guide to Berlin | Everything You Need to Know

As a first-time visitor, planning a trip to Berlin can be overwhelming. From navigating the public transportation to choosing a place to stay, there is a lot of information to sift through. And that’s not even considering all of the things to see and do. I was certainly overwhelmed on my first visit in 2020 – my custom Google map had over 150 pinned things on it! I had no idea how to organize my time, and I didn’t prioritize what I wanted to do. We wound up spending a TON of time moving around on public transportation between different activities. 

I learned my lesson on our second visit to Berlin in 2022. With so many things to see and do, it’s essential to have a plan in place to make the most of your trip to Berlin. I showed up with a list of the things I wanted to do, and made intentional choices about restaurants and accommodation to minimize time on public transit. I’m here to share all of my secrets with you! Whether you’re going for a couple of days or a long weekend, this blog post will cover all the essential travel tips that first-time visitors to Berlin need to know.

From the best ways to get around the city to insider tips on where to find the best food, I’ve got you covered. I want to help you make the most of your trip (and avoid the mistakes I made) with this blog post detailing all the essential Berlin travel tips, including when to visit, where to stay, what to see, how to get around, and how to arrive in Berlin. So, pack your bags and get ready for an adventure in one of Europe’s most exciting cities!

What You'll Find in this Article

The Ultimate Travel Guide to Berlin for First Time Visitors

Travel logistics, arrival to berlin.

Being the capital of Germany, Berlin is a major city with lots of different ways to arrive. For international travelers, one of the most convenient arrival options is flying. Berlin has a long history of airports opening and closing , but currently the main airport is Berlin Brandenburg Airport (code BER) which opened in 2020 in Schönefeld. To get from the airport to the city center, there is an airport express train running from station T1-2 to Berlin Central Station. In addition, the S-Bahns S9 and S45 run from T1-2 to Berlin city center.

Another popular option for arriving to Berlin is train. This is the only way I’ve ever traveled to Berlin, because I love traveling in Germany via rail. The train from Cologne takes about 4.5 hours on the ICE (express) train. The primary train company in Germany is called Deutsche Bahn . Berlin has three main train stations: Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Berlin Ostbahnhof, and Berlin Südkreuz . These train stations offer connections to major cities across Germany and Europe, making it easy to reach Berlin by train from almost anywhere.

For people looking for a more budget-friendly option, arriving in Berlin by bus is also possible. Several bus companies, such as FlixBus and Eurolines , offer regular service to Berlin from other cities in Germany. The bus station is located at the Zentraler Omnibusbahnhof (ZOB) which is located in Charlottenburg on the west side of town.

Distances in Berlin

The distances look deceiving on a map, but make no mistake – Berlin is a sprawling city. I knew it was big prior to my first visit, but it wasn’t until I started plugging the walking and biking directions into Google Maps that I realized just how big it is. Berlin spreads out across a gigantic area, so it takes a while to move around between the different attractions and neighborhoods. Make sure to always check the times before heading out, because it is likely to take longer than you thought. 

When it comes to planning a visit to Berlin, I think it is really important to group activities together based on their location, and then prioritize your schedule so that you aren’t spending too much time getting around. Trust me, walking all around it will leave you feeling haggard so it’s good to balance your transit options. 

How to Get Around in Berlin

Berlin has a fantastic public transportation system, called BVG . This is a fully integrated transit system, so you can bounce between S-Bahn, U-Bahn, and buses on the same ticket. While it might seem overwhelming at first, it is actually pretty easy to navigate once you get the hang of it. Download the BVG app to make things even simpler, because it will show you accurate times and alert you of any delays. 

The S-Bahn (Stadtschnellbahn, or rapid railway) is a suburban rail network that connects the central Berlin with the surrounding suburbs. The U-Bahn (Untergrundbahn, or underground railway) is a metro system that runs both above and below ground. This is a quick and convenient way to travel around the city center. The bus network is extensive and covers most of the city. Buses are a good option for reaching places where the train does not go. 

Berlin is divided into different fare zones with the basic fare set at €2.90. The price increases if you travel to more than one fare zone. There are also different kinds of travel cards available that can save you money if you’re planning to use public transportation a lot. Just FYI that there are no ticket barriers at stations in Berlin, so you can board trains and buses without showing a ticket. It’s an honesty based system, in which you need to validate your ticket once on board. Ticket checks are fairly common, albeit random, and the fine is high for fare-skippers. 

Personally, my favorite way to get around in Berlin is by bicycle. This is the primary way I get around in Cologne too, because it is incredibly easy and fast with well-marked bicycle lanes that make even novice riders feel confident. Most bicycle rentals start at 5 EUR per day with the bike-sharing programs like Nextbike . There are stations throughout the city, making it super simple to pick up and drop off the bikes.

When to Visit Berlin

Berlin can be enjoyed year-round; however, the best time to visit Berlin depends on your personal preferences and interests. If you’re looking to avoid the crowds and save money, visiting during the off-peak seasons like the fall and winter can be an advantage. During these seasons, you’ll have a better chance of getting discounted hotel rates and avoiding long lines at popular tourist attractions. Additionally, the fall season offers the chance to see the changing leaves in the many parks and gardens throughout the city. Of course, the weather is not ideal in winter.

If you’re interested in experiencing Berlin’s vibrant nightlife, summer is the perfect time to visit. The warm weather means that many bars and clubs have their terraces open, and the city hosts a variety of festivals and events. Personally, I am a huge fan of Christmas Markets , and I think visiting Berlin in December is magical. You’ll experience some tourist crowds at the markets, but otherwise the museums and tourist attractions should be fairly open. 

Good to Know Tips

Carrying cash.

Unlike other large European countries, Germany still has a strong cash culture. The pandemic has certainly made contactless payment more common, but it is by no means ubiquitous. You shouldn’t be surprised if there are cash only places, or if bars and cafes prefer to have payment in cash. Because of this, it’s important to always make sure you have enough cash on hand or ask if they accept cards before you order.

Tipping in Berlin

Speaking of cash, it’s common to tip around 5-10% at cafes and restaurants (if the service is good). When paying with a card, you need to tell the server how much the total charge should be. They typically won’t hand you the card machine to enter the tip yourself. For example, if you want to tip 5 euros on a 50 euro bill, you would need to say “make that 55 euros, please”. In bars and nightclubs, it’s common to tip the bartender a small amount, such as rounding up to the nearest euro. When it comes to taxi rides, tipping is not common. It’s not considered necessary, but rounding up to the nearest euro or leaving a small tip will be appreciated.

In Germany, Sundays are quiet. Virtually all shops, supermarkets and even some bars and restaurants close on Sundays. It is really meant to be a rest day. While many tourist attractions, such as museums, are likely to be open, you’ll want to be cognizant of Sundays in your trip planning. Thankfully, there are some special events that only happen on weekends, such as flea markets in Mauerpark or Boxhagener Platz. 

What to Eat in Berlin

You will be spoiled with great restaurant choices in Berlin – there are so many delicious places to try! I would definitely recommend trying some street food for lunch at least one of the days, such as currywurst, döner, or falafel. For dinner, making a reservation is typically recommended, especially if you want to go somewhere a little bit nicer. I summarize all of my favorite Berlin restaurants in a separate blog post, perfect for foodie travelers looking to enjoy the best food that Berlin has to offer.

Where to Stay in Berlin

When it comes to accommodation, there are a wide range of options to choose from, including hotels, hostels, and apartments. Berlin has a lot of issues related to short-term vacation rentals like AirBnb and there are a number of somewhat arduous regulations . As such, I would recommend opting for a hotel or hostel. Thankfully, Berlin is absolutely full of stylish hotel choices ranging from budget to luxury. Depending on your budget and preferences, you’ll be able to find something that suits your needs. 

On a short visit, I would recommend choosing a location strategically based on what you want to see and do in Berlin. This will help you cut down time traveling around on the metro. Personally, I think Mitte or Friedrichstadt would be good choices. These aren’t exactly the coolest neighborhoods to explore, but they are really central and well-connected. Another option, especially on a multi-day visit like a long weekend , is to switch hotels. This will give you the chance to see different corners of the city. I did this on our second visit to Berlin, and I really enjoyed it.

What to See in Berlin on Your First Visit

Historical attractions.

Steeped in important history dating back hundreds of years, Berlin is a city for culture vultures with a seemingly endless number of historical attractions to visit. On your first visit to Berlin, I definitely recommend exploring some of the culturally significant places, such as the Berlin Wall Memorial, East Side Gallery, and Reichstag . Berlin is the birthplace of some of the world’s most influential art movements. At the same time, Berlin was at the center of some of humanity’s darkest moments. I highlight the best historical attractions in Berlin in a separate blog post. 

On our first visit to Berlin, my husband and I were overwhelmed by the sheer number of museums to visit in Germany’s capital city. With more than 150 museums, Berlin is a treasure trove full of fascinations for any interest. There is something to suit everyone! A few of my favorite museums in Berlin include:

• Jewish Museum
• Topography of Terror
• Memorial to Murdered Jews Visitors Center

The Museum Pass program is an excellent way for visitors to experience some of the city’s most popular museums all on one pass. Costing €29 for adults, the pass is valid for 3 consecutive days and gives you access to 50 different museums throughout the city. It also eliminates the hassle of having to wait in line to purchase tickets and ensures that visitors will have guaranteed admission to each museum. 

Cool Neighborhoods

One of the coolest parts of Berlin is the dynamic neighborhoods. Each corner of the city has a slightly different vibe, and it feels like a patchwork of fascinating places. As a first-time visitor, it would be a shame to stick only to the central areas. Dive into the neighborhoods to discover some of the quirky characteristics that locals love about Berlin. A few neighborhoods that I think would be worthwhile as a first time visitor are highlighted below.

Neukölln is a popular neighborhood for foodies and nightlife lovers. There are tons of cool bars and restaurants in this area, and it would be a great place to go out for a night. Neukölln will give you a sense of the hip and alternative scene that Berlin is so well-known for. For dinner in Neukölln, grab Turkish cuisine. Follow your nose or look for the spots with a line, because locals always know best!

Prenzlauer Berg is a vibrant neighborhood known for its bohemian atmosphere and lively arts scene. This neighborhood is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. With its tree-lined streets, charming cafes, and independent boutiques, there is a unique blend of history and modernity in this neighborhood. Prenzlauer Berg is also home to a number of excellent restaurants, bars, and cafes, offering a wide variety of cuisines and flavors.

Friedrichshain has an alternative feel to it with lots of street art, hidden gems, and unique shops. There are a number of nice coffee shops around Friedrichshain, which I summarize in my Berlin coffee shop guide . You’ll also find a number of cool second-hand boutiques in Friedrichshain, if you want to dig for amazing vintage clothing and accessories.

Do you have questions about visiting Berlin? Comment below!

Further reading....

Complete List of the Best Secondhand Shops in Berlin

15 Unique and Cool Things to Do in Berlin

A Foodie’s Guide To Berlin’s Best Bakeries And Brunch Spots

Mackenzie jervis.

Berlin is one of my favorite cities in Europe. There’s so much history as well as new things to do that I could spend a lifetime just wandering!

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Where to Find the Best Restaurants in Cologne for Foodies

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Best Time to Go to Berlin

This is a guide to choosing the best time to visit Berlin, based on flights, hotel prices, weather, and events and activities.

We provide a month-to-month comparison, with suggestions of the best events to attend on the month you plan to be here. Let’s get started! 

• Cheapest Times to Visit
• Best Weather
• Each Month in Perspective
• Things to Do in Berlin
• Walking Tours in Berlin

THE QUICK ANSWER

The best time to visit Berlin depends on what “best” means to you.

If by best you mean the cheapest times to visit, then that's much easier to answer.

Come just about anytime between January and March.

If your definition of best mostly concerns the weather, then that's also an easy answer.

You should visit between May-June or between September-November.

If your definition of best focuses on activities, then really any month works.

There are enough museums and other indoor attractions to keep a visitor busy for weeks.

Berlin is a vibrant international city and one that attracts some of the most important events in film, music, fashion, and technology.

It also shows its spirit in the events it holds around various holidays and festivals, including Oktoberfest, and Christmas Markets. 

For a list of activities, by month, visit here .

Before we continue, check out what some of the members of our Berlin Travel Tips Facebook Group recommend as the best time of the year to visit.

Our group has over 14k members, consisting of previous visitors, locals, and those planning their first trip.

Click the image to join the conversation.

Cheapest Time of Year

If you want short lines and cheaper hotel and flight rates, and you don’t mind cold weather, then January , February , March , and November are the cheapest months to visit Berlin.

This is the low season when the weather is really nothing to brag about.

There won’t be as many tourists so prices on flights and hotels will be lower.

In-between pricing comes during the shoulder season. 

These months are April through mid-June and September up until Oktoberfest . 

The weather is a bit hit-or-miss but the crowds are definitely smaller.

There’s plenty to see and do and average prices are lower than they are during the high season of travel, although not the cheapest.

Hotels can be on the expensive side, especially near big conventions that are taking place, which occur often in the shoulder months.

If you want to take part in outdoor activities like food and music festivals or boat cruises, and money is not the greatest of concerns, mid-June through August is your best bet.

These are the most popular months for tourists and locals looking to enjoy the warm weather and all of the entertainment that the city has to offer. 

Prices will be highest though, as everyone crowds flights and accommodations.

The same is true for the time period just before Oktoberfest, between late September and early October, and also late December because of Christmas.

Cheapest Hotel Prices

On average, nightly stays in Berlin in 2024 cost around $114 (£93) per night.

But, this isn't a particularly helpful number since it depends on the time of year.

The best months in which to find hotel deals are January, July, August, and November . Even December has some good deals before the Christmas rush.

Prices for hotels will run from $72-$99 (£59-£81) a night on average during those months. Mid-range pricing can be found in the months of February , March , May , and October .

Pricing runs between $106-$124 (£65-£101) a night on average. 

The most expensive months are found in the months of June , September , and April - and again around Christmas . 

You’ll be looking at around $141-$184 (£115-£150)

If you plan to use the U-Bahn, you’ll have more options and can stay away from the city center. 

You can utilize sites such as Booking.com and TripAdvisor and filter the reviews for the lowest price first.

Cheapest Flight to Berlin

Airfare cost is one of the top deciding factors for many of us when planning a trip.

So, using a tool like Google Flights is a great way to see the best times to save money flying to Berlin.

Prices tend to follow the weather, so the higher the temperature, the higher the ticket cost.

However, flights to Berlin are fairly consistent all year, except in the summer months of June , July , and August .

Holidays will also play a factor in increased airline ticket prices.

Here are a few tips when booking tickets:

• Utilize search engines to compare prices between airlines, such as Booking.com and Cheapair.com .
• Sign up for airline loyalty programs to get frequent flier points.
• Plan to visit after a holiday.
• Fly during off-peak hours, such as a red-eye flight.

BEST TIME TO VISIT BERLIN WEATHER WISE

Berlin runs the gamut between warm and comfortable to freezing and rainy.  

If you’re looking for temperatures between 18°C (65°F) and 27°C (80°F), that have little rain or humidity, then the best times to visit Berlin weatherwise are the roughly 2-month periods of May and June as well as September and October .

It's during these 2 periods that the weather (both day and night) is stable and warm.

While July and August can be humid at times, humidity is usually low, under 50%. It can be quite warm during the day.

If you come from a hot and humid climate though, such as Florida or Queensland, then you should easily acclimate yourself.

As it’s important to know what the weather will be during your trip so you pack appropriate clothing, below is a breakdown of the temperature and weather conditions during each season.

After you read this section, check out our section on things to do by month .

Weather Overview by Seasons

Winter (december-february).

Snow is most likely in December and January, with it tapering off throughout February.

Note that snow has tended to run to an inch or less of snow, so warm clothes and boots are really all that’s needed.

This time of the year tends to be overcast. There’s about a 73% chance of it being overcast in December, decreasing a bit to 67% in January, and 62% in February. 

There’s also a chance of rain over many days. This is the coldest time of year as well. 

Early December can be relatively mild but can be quite cold as well.

The temps can run anywhere from 0.9 C to 4.1 C (low to high 30s), and in the evenings it can even fall to around -9 C (16 F).

Daily afternoon high temperatures in January and February will be mostly around 3-5 C (in the upper 30’s F to near 40 F), with evening and morning low temperatures around -2 to -3 C (the mid to upper 20’s F).

Spring (March-May)

There’s a small chance of snow in March, and over April and May odds are low you will see any snowfall at all.

Rain usually makes an appearance.

Berlin gets rain across the entire year though and April is actually the city’s least wet month; it averages just over 5 days with small amounts of precipitation. 

Afternoon temperatures early in March will most likely be in the about 7 C (mid-40s F).

And afternoons near the end of the month are more likely to see 12-13 C (mid-50s F) and sometimes even 15-17C (low to mid 60s F).

Afternoon temperatures early in April run around 12-13C (mid-50s F), with temperatures at the end of the month a more pleasant 17-19C (mid-60s F).

Afternoon temperatures in May run around 18-20C (the mid-60s), and those at the end of the month will usually reach 21-23C (lower 70s F) with a few days possibly reaching up to 26-28C (into the lower 80s F).

Summer (June-August)

Throughout the summer months, you have about a 25% chance of rainfall.

In fact, July is the wettest month of the year, with an average of over 9 days of precipitation and an average rainfall of almost 2 inches. 

There’s also a slightly higher chance for humidity, although it’s more likely to be comfortable than oppressive over these months.

In June, afternoons tend to average around 24-25C (mid-70s), with a few days reaching 29C (mid-80s F) or more.

In July, daytime highs tend to be around 21-23 C (70-73 F), warming to 23-25 C (74-77 F) by month’s end.

In August afternoon high temperatures tend to be near 25-26 C (77-79 F) early in the month, falling to 22-23 C (72-74 F) by the end of the month.

Autumn (September-November)

September starts out warm and comfortable but by November you can expect to start seeing snow.

You can expect about 17 days of rain in September although only six of those days even get 1mm (0.04 inches) of precipitation.

It’s a bit cloudier in October but rainfall often remains small. There’s a light to moderate chance of rain in December, with a 20% chance of snow by the end of the month.

In September, afternoon high temperatures tend to be near 20-22 C (68-71 F) but cool down to 17-18 C (63-66 F) near the end of this month.

Mornings and evenings can dip down 5 C (41 F).

In October daytime high temperatures will tend to be around 15-17 C (59-63 F) early in the month, falling to 11-12 C (51-54 F) near the end.

Late night and early morning lows should average around 7-9 C (45-48 F) early in the month but are more likely to be near 4.5 C (39-41 F) near the end of the month. 

In November, early in the month, the afternoon high temperatures are mostly 10-11 C (lower 50s F).

As the month progresses daytime highs will more likely be 6-7 C (in the low to mid-40s F).

Overnight and early morning lows are 5-6 C (in the lower 40s F) while the end of the month will see lows of 1-2 C (in the mid-30s F) with a few days even falling to -3 to -4 C (mid-20s F). 

Monthly Weather Reports

Best months to visit berlin.

Best Months for Indoor Activities and Museum Visiting

Berlin museums are open year-round for visitors to enjoy and are an excellent option when the weather is cold or rainy, or when you need to beat the heat for an afternoon.

No matter when you visit, consider purchasing a museum ticket or a discount card .

Depending on the card you buy, it can provide discounts on not just museums, sights, attractions, restaurants, and bars, but also public transportation. 

Some museums that may be included are:

• German Spy Museum
• Jewish Museum of Berlin
• Museumsinsel Berlin
• The German Historical Museum
• Pergamonmuseum

If the skies are clear, consider going to the top of the Berlin TV Tower , Kollhoff-Tower , or Panoramapunkt Berlin Observation Deck for impressive views of the city.

These viewing spots tend to be most popular in the summer, so travelers coming outside of those months will enjoy shorter lines and fewer crowds.

Best Months for Theater, Live Music, and Comedy

While you can see great theater, live music, or comedy anytime in Berlin, December offers seasonal holiday shows, some of which you can see below here .

Other shows can be found year-round at: 

The English Theatre Berlin : Plays, comedy shows, and festival events take place here. Performances are in English as a “bridge between cultures, countries, and traditions”. 

Friedrichstadt-Palast Berlin : The stunning ARISE Grand Show takes place here, with hundreds of musicians, dancers and other artists, all in gorgeous costumes, taking to the stage.

Charlottenburg Palace : The Berlin Residence Orchestra plays classical music, and a 3-course candlelight dinner is served. The event is popular and booked out weeks in advance.

Showbühne Berlin : Berlin has a thriving Burlesque community with dozens of shows and even a Burlesque Festival in October. Showbühne puts on a fun show of burlesque, cabaret, and acrobatics. Food can be purchased on-site as well.

Wintergarten Variete : shows with acrobats, music, dance and even comedy take place here, something that’s been done in some form or another since 1887!  

HIGHLIGHTS OF EACH MONTH

January is one of Berlin’s coldest months, but it’s also a good time to visit if you’re looking for less expensive flights, hotels, and activities. 

This is a good time to explore one of the dozens of museums in Berlin.

Or you might take in some theater, something like ARISE Grand Show, an incredible (dialog-free) show of music and dance and extravagant costumes.

If you’re willing to brave the cold, some Christmas markets are still open, and early in the month, the night sky is lit up when the Christmas Garden takes place at Berlin’s Botanical Garden.

Berlin Fashion week happens over four days in the middle of January. 

And Days of Dance, a contemporary dance festival, comes to town.

February is quite cold, with an average temp around 4° C (40°F) and a chance of rain and snow.

You can still get some deals when it comes to flighting and hotels.

This is the month of the Berlin Film Festival, one of the largest film festivals in the world and one of the big three (along with Venice and Cannes).  

The Berlin Independent Film Festival, a separate festival, screens low-budget indie films, hosting various events around them, and awarding multiple jury prizes.

The Berlin Wine Fair also returns to Berlin, with over 4000 wines for tasting.

The Transmediale Festival for art and digital culture takes place over five days in February, with exhibitions, discussions, and shows taking place at venues throughout the city.

The Tanzolymp International Dance Festival brings in dance artists from around the world for competitions, classes, and workshops. 

March in Berlin tends to be somewhat cold, however, temperatures do start to warm and the weather dries out a bit near the month’s end.

Berlin has several Irish pubs, making it the perfect spot to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

If you’re looking for a great place to grab a drink, check out this list of Irish pubs in Berlin .

Alternatively, you could also go on a pub crawl to discover some of the best bars in the city.

The MearzMusik Festival takes place over ten days, bringing together some greats in the contemporary music scene.

Berlin Fashion week has the first of its two events in Berlin each year, bringing fashion shows, international designers, expert talks, and more to the city.

April in Berlin offers changeable spring weather and tends to be cool and sometimes wet.

More visitors are starting to come to the city, meaning the deals of the cold months are a bit harder to find.

One of the city’s most popular events is the Cherry Blossom Festival.

Japan sent over 9,000 trees to Berlin, and there are over 50 locations throughout the city in which to enjoy them.

There are also Easter markets open at Alexanderplatz and Kurfürstendamm.

The Berlin State Opera puts on a festival each year, bringing some of the best artists in the world of opera to Berlin.

On the 30th of the month is Walpurgic Night, with music, bonfires, costumes, and special events taking place at various locations throughout the city, all of it ringing in the month of May.

May can be very pleasant with generally mild spring-like weather prevailing. 

The Formula E Championship comes to Tempelhof Airport. 

The 3-day Punk and Disorderly music festival comes to the city, with local and internationally-touring bands participating.

International Museum Day takes place, with over 37,000 museums in 158 countries and territories putting on special events and activities.

The Carnival of Cultures (Karneval der Kulturen), a four-day street festival, brings music and theater performances to the city, allowing the many diverse folks living in Berlin to showcase the best of their cultures.

Berlin in June is pleasantly warm but can be a bit on the wet side.

The average temp is around 75° F (23°C) although humidity may make it feel warmer. Tourism definitely picks up and hotels and flights are more expensive.

Fete de la Musique, an open-air music festival, brings musicians to the streets of the city to play live music for free.

The Berlin Volksfestsommer has for 60 years brought rides, games, and fireworks to town in June. There are also German and French delicacies on offer.

The Long Night of the Sciences sees lectures and libraries open to the public, and experiments guests can take part in, all with the goal of bringing the truth about science to the general public.

July is Berlin’s warmest month, with average temperatures around 75° F (23°C) although humidity makes it feel warmer.

You can also expect rain over at least half of the days. Even so, it’s one of the more expensive times to visit the city.

German Fashion Week returns to Berlin for its second annual event.

The Classic Open Air festival comes to Genermenmarkt. The buildings in the square are used as a backdrop to performances of many genres of music and often include light shows.

The Lesbian and Gay City Festival takes place around Nollendorfplatz square. The two-day event usually occurs the week before Gay Pride and is the largest LFBT street festival in Europe. 

Botanical Night sees illuminated paths (around 10 miles worth) and themed areas in Botanical Gardens in Berlin-Dahlen.

In addition to light installations, there’s also music, food, and guided tours.

August in Berlin is an excellent time to explore the city as the weather is relatively dry and temperatures are quite pleasant.  

Over 100,000 people take part in this 60-year-old German American Folk Festival. It brings American-style food, drink, music, and family entertainment to Berlin.

The 3-day Pop-Kultur Festival arrives at the KulturBrauerei with concerts, films, lectures, installations, and exhibits, all celebrating diversity in pop culture.

In August over 70 museums open their doors to guests for free for the Long Night of Museums. There are talks, workshops, concerts, and special tours along with special exhibition tours.

September in Berlin is more comfortable than it was in July and August due to a drop in temperature and humidity.

This is Berlin’s most comfortable month, with less rain, warm days, and cool mornings and evenings. Prices start to rise in the leadup to Oktoberfest.

Almost 50,000 people attend International Stadium Festival events each year in Berlin and have been since 1937. 

This one-day celebration brings hundreds of world-class athletes together in competition at Berlin Olympic Stadium.

Oktoberfest begins in late September, starting two weeks of beer consumption and celebration.

Millions of people arrive to participate in such fun as dancing and amusement park rides, parades and music, games, and costume-wearing.

The now annual Berlin Art Week celebrates art through panel discussions, receptions, and installations.

Artists, International experts from the art world, museums, and more join in the celebration of contemporary art.

Berlin Beer Week is a ten-day celebration of German beer, taking place at multiple venues across the city.

There are tastings and food pairings,  pub crawls, karaoke, and more, all in celebration of German craft beer.

October sees a big shift in the weather, with it cooling significantly and less chance of rain. 

Oktoberfest continues into the first week of the month.

The national holiday known as the Day of Unity takes place in commemoration of a reunified Berlin.

A three-day festival brings live music, poetry, comedy, and more, in addition to food, and drink to Platz der Republik. 

St. Martin’s Day is a celebration of Catholic Saints and one especially popular with children.

There are lantern processionals, bonfires, and singing at various locations, and some restaurants serve a traditional meal of roasted goose with red cabbage, kale, dumplings, and gravy.

Halloween isn’t a German holiday, but there are many activities to be found in Berlin, including a Halloween Run, a Zombie Walk flash mob, and a Horror Night Film Festival.

There is also a two-day party at Kulturbrauerei, various pub crawls, and costume parties around the city.

Berlin’s landmarks, buildings, and monuments are illuminated during Berlin’s popular annual Festival of Lights.

Local and international artists showcase their light work around Berlin over nine evenings, bringing millions of tourists into the city.

November finds the temperatures tending towards cold with frequent periods of rain and some risk for snow.

Since 1964 the award-winning Berlin Jazz Fest has brought the best of jazz music to Berlin.

Jazz musicians from around the world arrive to perform before sold-out crowds at multiple venues. 

Christmas Garden Berlin begins in November, with the installation of millions of lights in Berlin’s massive Botanical Gardens.

Guests can follow a map or take a 90-minute tour. Traditional food and drink are on offer as well.

The International Short Film Festival brings films and filmmakers from around the world to the city.

In addition to the showing of films, usually presented with English subtitles, there are discussions and a jury prize.

Berlin is well known for its Christmas Markets. This is a ca n’t-miss, and there are over 80 different markets to visit.

They come in all different sizes and run from the end of November through December.   

Here comes the snow! Berlin is cold this month, with a high chance of snow and rain.

You’ll definitely want your winter attire as temps can fall to the low 30°s F (-1°C). 

Christmas Markets continue throughout the month, as does the light installation at Berlin’s Botanical Gardens.

Adults and children can go ice skating around the Neptune fountain or ride the 50-meter Ferris wheel at the Berliner Weihnachtszeit.

For almost 20 years the Roncalli Circus has come to Berlin with a Christmas Show at Tempodrom.

Circus artists, clowns, jugglers, and even robots put on a show that delights children and adults alike. Tickets can be purchased here .

The Kelly Family of singers throws a Christmas party at Mercedes-Benz Area. Tickets can be purchased here .

There are a few New Year’s celebrations that can match Berlin.

Clubs stay open for days, millions of residents and visitors fill the streets after an evening of eating and drinking, and amateur and professional fireworks fill the skies at the end of the evening. 

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Anne Wittig

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The Best Time to Visit Berlin 2024: the Ultimate Guide

The German capital, Berlin, is not a place that's renowned for its year-round balmy climate and cloudless blue skies. The lack of continual sunshine and the absence of warmer temperatures in no way shape or form deters the city from hosting a fabulous array of festivals and major events, many of them international, throughout the year.

If you're hoping to go sightseeing in Berlin in a short-sleeved t-shirt then more or less the only time that might be possible is from late June through to maybe the first week of September. You'll still need to go prepared with an umbrella and a light waterproof jacket as summer rain showers and the occasional thunderstorms can happen at any time.

As Berlin does host so many big events, there are times of the year when it's more difficult to book reasonably priced accommodation. If you only have certain fixed dates you can travel on then it's a good idea to check if any of the festivals coincide with your visit to Berlin and if they do, reserve your hotel or hostel well in advance.

There may be times during your stay when you need to store your bags somewhere other than in your hotel room. If that's the case, no pun intended, you'll find that the Bounce luggage storage facilities in Berlin are the ideal option. Bounce luggage lockers are always placed in convenient locations for ease of access, are economical to hire and security tagged for safety. 

When Is The Best Time To Go To Berlin?

Read on and you'll find a season by season breakdown of general weather conditions in Berlin plus information on which month the main festivals take place. There's also a month-by-month breakdown of high and low average temperatures in the city. Once you have a general idea about all of those things, you'll know for sure when the best time to visit Berlin is for you.

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The summer months of June, July, and August are when the relatively warm temperatures arrive in Berlin. Forget blazing hot summers and think more along the lines of moderate and you won't go far wrong. The average temperature in the inner city can often rise higher than it does in the surrounding areas due to the heat retention of the buildings. The warm weather doesn't guarantee a lack of rain and it can rain as many days per month in the summertime as it does the rest of the year. It just won't be freezing rain which is a little easier to deal with.

Why Go To Berlin In June?

After a cold winter and a chilly spring, Berlin is ready to say hello to summer with a city-wide music festival called Fête de la Musique. It's a one-day event held in mid-June where street musicians play all day long in various locations throughout Berlin. Yes, Fête de la Musique, is a French name and it's called that because it's a copy of an annual festival in Paris.

June in Berlin is the perfect month for making the most of the beer gardens. The warm temperatures mean you can sit outside, day or night, and enjoy a stein of frothy brew without having to wear a jacket. That said though, in the late evening temperatures drop so you may need a light sweater.

Why Go To Berlin In July

There's a lot happening in July in Berlin and the city is abuzz with a lot more than the sound of bees whizzing from flower to flower collecting pollen.

Classic Open Air is a five-night-long series of classical music concerts held in the Gendarmenmarkt plaza in early July. The event takes up the entire plaza with a stage and seating. There are both orchestral and operatic performances which culminate with a huge fireworks display.

Berlin's Gay Pride usually takes place in the second half of the month. The CSD festival is named after Christopher Street Day where the main parade usually takes place. This year, 2022, the celebrations will be muted and there will be no parade. Details of the smaller events that will be held from mid-July on are to be published closer to the date on the official CSD Berlin website.

NB: In previous years July has been the month when Berlin hosts its second Berlin Fashion Week. In 2022 the event dates have been changed and it is now being held in September.

Why Go To Berlin In August

Event-wise, August is one of the more subdued months in Berlin, but there's still something happening somewhere and they're mostly culturally focused. August is the best time to visit Berlin if you're a fan of classical music.

It's usually the warmest time of the year too, so the city center can feel stifling even when the average temperature doesn't rise much above 75°F (24°C). August is also when a lot of Berlin's resident population abandon the city and head north to enjoy the last of the brief summer, and the good weather, on the country's beaches so it can seem quiet all around.

Musikfest is a series of classical music concerts held every year in various locations over a period of three weeks beginning in August.

Long Night Of The Museums at the end of the month sees the city's museums open late and hosting classical music and theatrical performances. Over 80 museums participate and you can also view the collections until the early hours of the morning.

The Potsdam Palace Nights in late August is when the royal palace belonging to Frederick The Great is open for viewing. There are classical concerts and theatrical and dance performances in the elaborate, illuminated gardens.

Why Not Visit Berlin In Summer

Summer is not the best time to visit Berlin if you have an aversion to drinking in busy beer gardens, don't like large tourist crowds, or detest classical music.

Average High Temperatures in Spring In Berlin

June – 71°F (22°C) July - 75°F (24°C) August - 66°F (19°C)

Average Low Temperatures in Spring In Berlin

June – 54°F (12°C) July - 59°F (15°C) August - 57°F (14°C)

Fall, pretty much the same as the rest of Europe, is an unpredictable season in Berlin. Early fall can give the false impression that summer is stretching out for longer than anticipated, but it doesn't last for long. By the time October creeps around on the calendar, it's adios to warm weather, grey skies are more common than blue ones, and it's getting dark by 4:30 in the afternoon. It's the time of the year that colder weather is a given so activities start to move indoors and unless you have Eskimo blood, outdoor activities are shelved for the next few months.

Why Go To Berlin In September

Even if the Berlin weather does its absolute worst you can still enjoy the second Berlin Fashion Week as it's an indoor event showcasing all the new and upcoming fashion designers from all over the country. Another great indoor event held in mid-September is the Berlin Art Week.

Why Go To Berlin In October

If you visit Berlin at the beginning of October, you won't need to worry about wandering the city in the dark. October is when the city celebrates the Festival of Lights and the entire city center is an extravaganza of elaborate illuminations. It's a festival that, even if it doesn't chase away the looming winter blues, certainly tries hard enough.

Why Go To Berlin In November

November is the month to visit Berlin if you're a fan of the jazz music genre. JazzFest Berlin is a four-day-long festival at which all the top German and international jazz stars perform. The program and artists performing are published in late summer on the official JazzFest website.

Average High Temperatures in Fall In Berlin

September – 66°F (19°C) October - 57°F (14°C) November- 46°F (8°C)

Average Low Temperatures in Fall In Berlin

September – 52°F (11°C) October - 43°F (6°C) November- 37°F (3°C)

If you visit Berlin in winter then you have to be ready for dark and rainy days where the average temperature is going to be consistently low. There's no getting away from the fact that the colder days have arrived and you're going to have to dress warmly. Don't think that Berlin goes into hibernation in the wintertime, it doesn't.

Why Go To Berlin In December

Berlin goes all out to make Christmas special so from mid-December, the city is awash with festive spirit. Not even rainy days, which are highly likely as it's the rainiest month of the year and also one of the coldest months, can put a dampener on Christmas in Berlin. If you love Christmas in a cold place and can't resist the lure of Christmas markets, this is the season to visit Berlin. 

Why Visit Berlin In January

Is January a good time to visit Berlin? Good question. It's cold and dark and can be absolutely freezing, but it still has its good points, especially for New Year's Eve. Celebrate New Year's Eve in Berlin and you won't feel the chill in the air if you're surrounded by the crowds at the Brandenburg Gate doing the same thing. If you don't bring the New Year in at the Brandenburg Gate then you might as well not have been in Berlin for New Year.

Why Go To Berlin In February

There's quite probably only one good reason to go to Berlin in February and that's the Berlin Film Festival. Berlin Film Festival is held from mid to late February and is open to the public as well as to participants. There are usually around 400 or more different films shown, so if you attend, there's a ton to see.

December – 39°F (4°C) January - 37°F (3°C) February - 39°F (4°C)

December – 32°F (0°C) January - 28°F (-2°C) February - 30°F (-1°C)

Berlin is not a city that rouses quickly from its winter sleep and spring is a season that's frequently slow to make its appearance. March can often seem like just a continuation of winter although there are sometimes clear, rain-free days that are pleasant enough even while there's still a pretty sharp nip in the air. To experience the real feel of springtime in Berlin April and May are the best times to go.

Why Go To Berlin In March?

March is, tourist-wise, a quieter time to visit Berlin. There are fewer visitors in the museums in Berlin and at the other main attractions, indoor and out, which is great if you don't like being jostled by crowds.

The early spring temperatures of March can be downright frigid in Berlin and it's not uncommon for it to snow occasionally in March either. On a positive note, frost and snow can add a special element to any street or landscape photographs you take when visiting Berlin so don't dismiss March entirely, especially if you're a photographer.

The biggest event to happen in March in Berlin is the ITB Travel Fair. The exact dates when Berlin hosts the event vary from year to year, but the three-day-long convention usually takes place in the first week, or thereabouts, of the month. While ITB is solely for international teams working in the travel industry, the fair attracts over 10,000 attendees so, as you can imagine, accommodation in Berlin during those three days is in very short supply.

Why Go To Berlin In April?

April can still be chilly in Berlin but it's also when springtime generally makes its first appearance. Usually, the first two weeks of April are when Berlin welcomes the blooming of its cherry blossoms. The Japanese, Korean, and Chinese gardens at Berlin's Gardens of the World are the best place to see nature's spectacular show. There are more than flowering trees at Berlin's Cherry Blossom festival so expect some theater and live music performances.

Why wait for Halloween when you can have Walpurgis Night instead? Walpurgis Night takes place at the end of April in Mauerpark and is a pagan-style, German folklore celebration of the coming of May. It's a fun party-in-the-park with live music, bonfires, food stalls, and lots of street artists.

Why Go To Berlin In May?

If you want to explore on foot or go hiking in Berlin or the surrounding area, you'll find May is the ideal month to do it. The late spring temperatures are neither too high nor too low so it's a comfortable climate for all sorts of outdoor activities. Do be prepared for rainy days. Having a backpack with a lightweight waterproof jacket with you at all times is generally a good plan.

The city puts on its carnival hat in the month of May. The Karneval der Kulturen is, as most carnivals are, a colorful and flamboyant festival that takes over the streets with parades and live performances for several days. If that's your thing, start making plans for 2023.

Why Not Go To Berlin In Springtime

There's no reason not to go to the German capital in spring as it is, in fact, the best time to visit Berlin.

March – 48°F (9°C) April - 57°F (14°C) May - 66°F (19°C)

March – 34°F (1°C) April - 41°F (5°C) May - 48°F (9°C)

When is the best time to visit Berlin for you?

Winter may seem as if it keeps a lengthy grip on Berlin and it does. But nature always has her way and as there's so much to do in the city, the coldest months pass quickly and before you know it, it's time to celebrate spring and in the blink of an eye, summer is, once again, in full swing. Your ideal time to visit Berlin will depend on your tolerance for colder temperatures and rainy days, your ability to deal with crowds, and what you enjoy doing when it comes to festivals and events. In general, late spring, and more specifically late April to the end of May, is a great time to visit Berlin.

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12 Best Places To Visit In Germany With Family In 2024!

T hinking about visiting Germany with your kids? Looking for the best places to visit in Germany with family in 2024? You’re in the right place!

Germany is a fabulous destination for families. It’s renowned for its rich history, gorgeous landscapes and interesting culture. Its fairy-tale old towns and castles add some magic and its big cities add some vibrancy. All up, Germany is a captivating blend of historical charm and modern appeal.

From landmarks such as the Berlin Wall and Neuschwanstein Castle to the beautiful landscapes of the Rhine Valley and the Black Forest to the great food and ease of getting around, there’s so much to love about traveling in Germany.

Germany isn’t just for adults though. There are many fantastic places to visit in Germany with kids. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best choices to add to your itinerary.

Why Is A Family Vacation In Germany A Great Idea?

Where to stay in berlin for families, where to stay in nuremberg for families, where to stay in rothenburg for families, where to stay in the rhine valley for families, where to stay in trier for families, where to stay in heidelberg for families, where to stay in europa park for families, where to stay in the black forest for families, where to stay near autostadt for families, where to stay in bremen for families, where to stay in lübeck for families, christmas markets.

Germany is an incredible destination for families for the reasons I mentioned above as well as many others. The fairy-tale castles are sure to capture your kids’ imagination.

A trip to the Berlin Wall can be a great accessible educational opportunity. A walk on cobblestoned streets through a colorful old town will take your kids right back to fairy-tale classics. Families are welcome almost everywhere.

There are, of course, many attractions in Germany for kids. From huge theme parks to children’s museums and fun markets, trains and more, there is a lot to love about traveling to Germany with kids.

The efficient train system and great road network also make it easy to get around and to explore as much of Germany as you like. There’s a great range of accommodation, including many hotels that specifically created for families.

The food can also be quite kid-friendly. It’s easy to enjoy a pretzel or a bratwurst (sausage) almost anywhere which is likely to appeal to even fussy eaters.

All up, it’s a very easy place for a family vacation that your kids won’t forget.

Best Places To Visit In Germany With Family

Here are my top 12 picks of the best places to visit in Germany with kids…

The capital of Germany, Berlin offers a fantastic blend of historical and family-friendly attractions. The Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin Wall are must visits for all and a great learning opportunity for kids.

The DDR Museum is a hands-on way for your family to learn about life in the German Democratic Republic (East Germany). Berlin is a city with a super interesting past, and there’s no better way for your kids to learn and understand it than in the city itself.

For more family focused attractions in Berlin , the Berlin Zoo is a great place to head with a wide variety of animals. The interactive Legoland Discovery Center is also a favorite among children. Head to the German Spy Museum for lots of fun spy activities, like dressing up and debugging a room.

To let off some steam, make sure you head to Tiergarten. This huge park has plenty of space to roam with historical monuments, six playgrounds and row boats. It’s also home to the zoo. 

I recommend The Circus Apartments in a handy spot in Berlin. They have a variety of apartment options including two and three bedroom, fully self-contained apartments for up to six people.

Click here for more details and the latest prices.

Nuremberg is our pick of the best city to visit in Germany with family. It’s an easy city to explore with a great range of attractions that are easily accessible for families.

The Old Town is the natural place to start with super colorful houses and the Kaiserburg (Imperial Castle) keeping watch from above. You can also explore the city from underground and see how Nuremberg’s art collections were kept safe during World War II. You can find the Spielzeugmuseum (Toy Museum) in the Old Town with toys from various time periods.

Just outside the Old Town, the Deutsche Bahn Museum is a must visit. It centers on the history of the German Railways with old carriages, videos and more. What kids will really love is the model railway, the chance to take a light railway ride and the interactive play area specifically for kids.

If you have younger kids (10 and under), don’t miss a day out at the Playmobil FunPark. This amusement park with Playmobil theming was one of my 6 and 10 year olds’ favorite places in Germany. There are great playgrounds, pedal boats, water play area, castle area, go karts and more. It’s located just outside of Nuremberg.

You can read more about things to do in Nuremberg here.

We stayed at the Novotel Nuernberg Centre Ville which was perfect for our family. It’s on the edge of the Old Town by the main station and has family rooms. There’s also a great indoor pool, children’s playroom, restaurants and more.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Home to maybe the most photographed old town in Germany, Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber (or just Rothenburg) is a picturesque medieval gem, perfect for exploring with kids.

It’s only a small town, but this is part of its charm. Its colorful buildings, cobblestoned streets and well-preserved town walls will help you feel like you’ve gone back in time. 

The town walls are the perfect place to start exploring. They offer many pretty views, and there are information boards along the way to learn more. It’s a great way for kids to let off some steam while discovering Rothenburg. There are also some playgrounds around the walls.

Another place families will enjoy is the Christmas Museum. It’s located in the Käthe Wohlfahrt Weihnachtsdorf which is a popular chain of Christmas stores that open year round. It’s about the history of Christmas customs with many decorations on display.

A popular place to visit in Rothenburg is the Mittelalterliches Kriminalmuseum (Medieval Crime Museum). It’s located in a building which is 600 years old and covers over 1,000 years of the legal history of Germany and Europe. It focuses on interrogation (torture), crime and punishment.

This museum is for families with teenagers who have an interest – and it is a fascinating museum. I visited without my 6 year old, which was the right choice.

We stayed at the Pension das Lädle which is in the heart of Rothenburg’s Old Town. It has three and four person rooms with separate sleeping areas for kids.

Rhine Valley

The Rhine Valley may be best known for its wines but it’s also a fabulous place to travel to Germany with children. With gorgeous towns, stunning wineries and fairy-tale castles, the whole family will love a trip here.

Start your adventure with a relaxing cruise down the Rhine trying to spot the castles that dot it before driving around and visiting your favorites. Rheinstein Castle is a picturesque place to start or visit Schönburg Castle with its amazing views and slingshot simulator your kids will enjoy.

Of course, you can’t miss out on stopping in the beautiful towns. Bacharach may be the cutest with a town wall to explore, a pretty Old Town and wines to taste. Boppard is another town worth heading to with half-timbered houses, old wine taverns and a Roman fort.

There’s also a fun chairlift in Boppard with great views and nice walks at the top. You can take an easy stroll to Vierseenblick (Four Lakes View). This cool viewpoint is at a horseshoe bend in the Rhine River and gives the illusion that there are four lakes instead of one river.

We stayed at the Rhine Pearl Hideaways which is a building of apartments in the middle of Oberwesel, a picturesque town in the middle of the Rhine Valley. The apartments are modern and perfect for families.

Trier is not just the oldest city in Germany and home to nine UNESCO World Heritage sites but is also a great destination in Germany for children.

Located near the border of Luxembourg and not far from the Rhine Valley, Trier has had human settlement for over 6,000 years. It was an important place in Roman times and you can still see ruins from this time today. These ruins are fun to explore with kids and are great for capturing the imagination.

Start your adventure at Porta Nigra, a second century Roman city gate. It’s the best way to enter the Old Town and is massive. In the Old Town there are pretty streets, Hauptmarkt (the main square), many churches, an antique toy museum and more. Trier Cathedral still has parts from Roman times.

As you head further south, there are more Roman ruins from thermal baths to an amphitheatre. It is worth checking them all out.

For a more hands-on experience, you can also visit Freilichtmuseum Roscheiderhof, an open air museum, about eight kilometers from Trier.

We stayed at Ibis Styles Trier which is right in the center of everything. There are family room options.

Beautiful Heidelberg is definitely one of the places to visit in Germany with children. With its great setting by the Neckar River and surrounded by hills, there are plenty of places for kids to explore and roam.

Heidelberg’s famous ruined castle is a great place to start. You can either walk up here or get a fun cogwheel train up. In addition to exploring the castle area, you can visit the Deutsches Apotheken-Museum (German Pharmacy Museum) inside the castle which covers the history of medical science and pharmacies in Germany. It’s interesting even for young kids with old reconstructed pharmacies, labs and interactive games.

After the castle, consider taking the cogwheel train further up the hill to visit the Walderlebnispfad (Forest Adventure Trail). This is an easy 2 kilometer trail with many activities to do along the way aimed at children. There is also a small, older-style amusement park up there.

Our favorite thing to do in Heidelberg was to head up the opposite hill to explore Heiligenberg, where settlement first started in this area. There are great paths through the forest where you can feel like you are discovering Celtic and Roman ruins, old monasteries and Thingstätte, an amphitheater completed in 1935 by the Nazis to spread propaganda.

We stayed at the Heidelberg Apheartments in the heart of Heidelberg. They offer fully self-contained apartments for up to eight people.

Find more great hotels in Heidelberg here.

Europa-Park – Rust

When you travel to Germany with kids, this theme park is likely to be their favorite place in the country.

Considered one of the best in Europe, Europa Park is massive with 18 themed areas, over 100 attractions, 13 roller coasters, many live shows and so much more. Think Disneyland but with European theming. Most of the themed areas are based on different countries in Europe. There is also a separate water park here called Rulantica.

Even visiting in peak August, we had so much fun here. The kids absolutely loved the more family-friendly roller coasters, getting wet on the splash rides and watching horse shows. The  park’s VirtualLine feature in the app helped to ensure we never lined up for too long and had a great time.

There are many places to eat, stay and more and this is a great way to end a family vacation in Germany. It’s located near the French border between Heidelberg and the Black Forest.

One of the many great things about Europa Park is that there are six hotels adjacent to the park and in the immediate area each with their own theming. If you stay at any of the hotels, you can access the many facilities at all of them and you also get early access to the park.

We stayed at Hotel Castillo Alcazar which was a lot of fun. It has its own entrance directly into the theme park and is themed as a Medieval knight’s castle. There are many family room options, even for larger families.

Black Forest

The Black Forest is definitely a fantastic region to head to when visiting Germany with kids. It’s incredibly scenic with beautiful villages and plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors.

We loved hiking round lakes, swimming outdoors, exploring the towns and visiting picturesque castles like Hohenzollern Castle. You can visit the home of cuckoo clocks in Triberg or peddle your way around Titisee lake on a boat. You can bathe in the thermal pools at Baden-Baden or explore the picturesque Old Town in Freiburg .

Kids will love Badeparadies Schwarzwald Titisee, a big indoor waterpark with an amazing sauna complex for adults. And, of course, no visit is complete without a slice of the famous black forest cake (although technically it doesn’t come from here).

There are so many awesome experiences in the Black Forest for families that you could spend your whole trip in this region alone.

We stayed at the Feldberger Hof Family Hotel in the Black Forest. It’s an all inclusive resort specifically for families and it’s amazing. There are so many family friendly facilities (including an outdoor ropes course, horse riding and indoor pool area with water slides), activities, rooms and great food.

The hotel also includes an attractions pass for the region which gives free or discounted entry to 60 attractions plus public transport.

Autostadt Wolfsburg

Autostadt Wolfsburg is an automobile museum and theme park located in Wolfsburg, Germany. It tells the story of the history and development of automobiles, but also has attractions and activities related to automotive culture. This isn’t a big, dry museum.

Spread over 28 hectares, there are multiple museums, massive car towers, playgrounds, giant slides and various car pavilions. One of the coolest parts is definitely the round, glass, 60 meter towers that store Volkswagen cars ready to be delivered to new homes. It’s fully automated with cars being placed and removed from the tower with ease. You can take a ride up the towers yourself for an up close look.

This place is a whole world with plenty of cars and history to explore. Adults can test drive real vehicles while kids can learn to drive in some very cool miniature ones. There are many interactive exhibits. It’s easy to enjoy a half day here. 

For families, there are also some playgrounds including some huge slides up to 18.5 meters high. There’s a cool shop and plenty of eating options too.

For the full Autostadt experience, it is possible to stay on-site. The Ritz-Carlton Wolfsburg Autostadt hotel is located here.

There’s a pool, sauna, two restaurants (Including a three Michelin star option) and a lounge. Rooms cater for up to four people.

If you’re heading to northern Germany, Bremen is a great place to stop for families. At the end of the Fairy Tale Route, Bremen celebrates the Brothers Grimm’s fairy tale, the Bremen Town Musicians with a statue of the donkey, dog, cat and rooster from the tale in the main square.

There are also images and statues around town of these creatures and it’s fun to have the kids look out for them. If you aren’t familiar with this story, I recommend that you watch it on YouTube before you go.

The Old Town is fun to explore for all ages with a great main square, the stunning Bremen Cathedral and the laneways of Schnoor and Böttcherstraße. It’s easy to explore by foot. 

The Universum Science Centre is a standout attraction if you visit Germany with kids. It has interactive and educational exhibits which kids will enjoy. 

For a thought-provoking historical site, visit the Bunker Valentin. It’s an absolutely massive World War II submarine factory that has been left standing to illustrate the futility of war.

We stayed at the Best Western Bremen City . It has some great apartment style rooms for families within walking distance of the main attractions.

Also in northern Germany, Lübeck is a charming city home to a picturesque, UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town. It is a good mix of historical and kid-friendly attractions. 

The best place to start is with a wander through the well-restored Old Town. Encircled by the Trave River, there are many great views, churches, museums and more. A feature of this Old Town are the hidden courtyards. These are courtyards from the Middle Ages accessed via small walkways from the street. We made it a family game to try to spot as many as possible.

The world-class European Hansemuseum is worth visiting and an easy way to learn more about the Hanseatic League which played a big part in Lübeck’s past.

Lübeck is famous for its marzipan so a sugary treat at Cafe Niederegger is the perfect way to end a day of sightseeing. When you have finished exploring Lübeck, consider a trip to Travemünde on the Baltic Sea. Just 20 minutes from Lübeck, it’s the perfect place to have some beach time. It also has a pretty Old Town.

We stayed at Hotel Die Reederin . It’s a gorgeous boutique hotel in Lübeck’s Old Town. It offers a spacious family room option.

My final place to visit in Germany with kids is a special one if you are visiting in late November or December. I recommend you visit as many Christmas markets as you can if you visit at this time of year.

German Christmas Markets are incredibly magical and special. From the traditional food and drinks to the Christmas music and lights, they set the scene for a perfect Christmas.

Many Christmas markets and destinations in Germany have special events perfect for families at this time of year. For example, Quedlinburg has the “largest Advent calendar in Germany”. At 4:30pm every day in the lead up to Christmas, families meet up and search together for one of 24 houses with special Christmas decorations that are open to the public. Inside, there are surprises.

Nuremberg Christmas Market has a special section for kids with old-fashioned rides, crafts and activities. For novelty, head to Cologne for a floating Christmas market on a ship. Munich has a Kinderland section at one of its Christmas markets with special activities and a Christmas Post Office. In Hamburg, you can watch Santa fly overhead in his sleigh!

Christmas is a truly special time in Germany for the whole family so make sure you include plenty of Christmas markets in your itinerary at this time.

Final Thoughts

Germany is a fantastic place to visit for families. There is so much to enjoy here from the great outdoors to the interesting history that surrounds you.

There are plenty of kid-focused attractions, but it’s also easy to visit interesting historical and cultural attractions in a way that is interesting for kids too.

I hope this list helps you have one of your best family vacations in Germany.

Bio: Sharon Gourlay is a full-time blogger and mum of three who loves sharing her love of travel with kids with others, especially when it comes to sharing one of her favorite destinations, Germany! You can find more information to plan your ultimate adventure in Germany at Germany Footsteps .

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Myriam Page | Wednesday 24 April 2024 16:19 BST

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Germany demands UK increases its defence spending 'if Britain wants leading role in European security'

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Rishi Sunak is set to visit Germany on Wednesday to pledge a record package of military aid for Ukraine

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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is expected to pursue clear assurances on Rishi Sunak's defence spending "if Britain wants a leading role in European security".

As the Prime Minister embarks on a trip to Poland today before traveling to Berlin on Wednesday, one German senior official warns that Sunak will likely face calls for more defence spending.

It comes as Berlin is set to meet its Nato target to spend two per cent of GDP on defence - with German weapons commitments to the Ukraine-Russian war now almost twice the size of Britain’s.

Sunak has declared his aspiration to up UK defence spending to 2.5 percent of GDP but his lack of plans for the increase has frustrated British allies.

The senior official in the German government said "there does not seem to be any plan to increase [UK] defence spending at all."

"It has stayed the same for some time," they told Politico.

"We understand about the fiscal constraints the UK has, but we all have the same fiscal constraints. If the UK still wants to have a leading part in European security then it needs to increase its spending.

"The chancellor [Scholz] has said this publicly in the past, referring to ‘our partners’. I am sure this will be his message to Sunak."

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Sunak is set to pledge a record package of military aid for Ukraine when he travels to Warsaw and Berlin to meet the leaders of Poland, Germany and Nato.

The Prime Minister will announce £500million in extra military funding and the UK’s largest-ever donation of key equipment.

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, chair of the Bundestag's defence committee insisted there was space for Britain to "significantly" increase spending.

She said: "The visit of the British prime minister could hardly come at a better time. If Europe wants to be resilient on its own, the advance of Russia must also be stopped by Europe together with our partners. We need the British on board for this and with significantly more commitment."

Sunak is set to pledge a record package of military aid for Ukraine when he travels to Warsaw and Berlin to meet the leaders of Poland, Germany and Nato

Another senior German chief suggested there will not be any "lectures" from Scholz.

They added: "Germany appreciates the strong British support to Ukraine. We value all their contributions."

Sunak said: "Defending Ukraine against Russia’s brutal ambitions is vital for our security and for all of Europe. If Putin is allowed to succeed in this war of aggression, he will not stop at the Polish border."

The increase takes UK military funding for Kyiv to £3billion in 2024/25, and to £7.6bn since the start of Putin’s full-scale invasion in 2022.

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With the BRSO, Sir Simon Rattle gets the orchestra he always wanted

Rattle makes his first visit to d.c. in 20 years with the munich-based bavarian radio symphony orchestra.

For those who love out-of-town orchestras, this is a particularly strong season. The Rotterdam Philharmonic brought its tour to an energizing close a few weeks ago. On April 27 , you can hear the Bamberg Symphony perform with pianist Hélène Grimaud at George Mason University. And on April 30, Washington Performing Arts welcomes the arguable highlight of the spring roster of visitors, the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, led by one of the classical world’s most charismatic conductors, Sir Simon Rattle.

Rattle, 69, is the former principal conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic and is currently in his inaugural season as director of the BRSO. In February, the Czech Philharmonic announced the appointment of Rattle as its next principal guest conductor for a five-year term, effective with the upcoming 2024-2025 season.

A massive star in his native England (he was born in Liverpool), Rattle launched his career with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra from 1980 to 1998. And, most recently, he concluded a high-profile six seasons leading the London Symphony Orchestra, leaving the post as sweeping governmental budget cuts and post-Brexit economic shakeouts have destabilized Britain’s classical landscape. Rattle has told interviewers that his reasons for leaving were “entirely personal,” allowing him to be closer to his home and family in Berlin.

One of Munich’s four orchestras (along with the Munich Philharmonic , the Munich Radio Orchestra and the Bavarian State Orchestra ) the BRSO has been helmed by a proud lineage of directors including Eugen Jochum, Rafael Kubelík, Sir Colin Davis, Lorin Maazel and until his death in 2019, Mariss Jansons.

The orchestra’s long-standing “Musica Viva” series of works by contemporary composers was founded in 1945 by Karl Amadeus Hartmann , picked up in 1948 by Bavarian Radio (a year before the BRSO’s founding) and continues to this day . Boasting a long legacy of composers conducting their own works — Stravinsky, Boulez, Penderecki and Stockhausen all premiered music with the orchestra — the series has helped cement the orchestra’s reputation as hospitable to experimentation. (This summer, the BRSO will launch an experiment pointed the opposite direction — a period-instrument ensemble that will spend the summer exploring Bach’s cantatas.)

Rattle made his debut with the BRSO (and the Bavarian Radio Chorus, which he will also lead) in 2010 with a performance of Schumann’s “Paradise and the Peri.” And the affection he has since developed for the orchestra appears mutual — its website features an excited cartoon Rattle, his most prominent feature that signature bouncing cloud of white curls.

On April 30, Rattle and the BRSO come to the Kennedy Center with a program including Wagner’s “Prelude und Liebestod” from “Tristan und Isolde,” Alexander von Zemlinsky’s “Symphonische Gesänge” (a piece featuring words by Black American writers including Langston Hughes, Jean Toomer and Countee Cullen), and Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 6 in F Major” (the “Pastorale”).

I caught up with the conductor by phone from his home in Berlin, where he has lived since 2003 with his wife, the mezzo-soprano Magdalena Kožená, and their three children.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

You’re making your first visit to D.C. in 20 years with the BRSO. What do you see as the value of an orchestra touring internationally in 2024?

We are all thinking so carefully about what we’re doing, why we’re doing it, whether this is the right thing to be doing. All the European orchestras are having enormous debates about it, just for the sake of the planet. Musically, the benefits have always been enormous, to share the way an orchestra plays music with other countries. America is full of great orchestras, but European orchestras play in a very different way, and we all learn from each other. But also, in playing, going around the world, we get closer together. A tour is a unique opportunity — we try to leave something in the places we go, so we’re not just jetting off and jetting back.

What can you share about the character of the BRSO that drew you to it?

I fell in love with the orchestra when I was a teenager. I collected records and I loved Rafael Kubelík, who was the conductor at the time. He influenced me in so many ways. When I was 16, the orchestra came to Liverpool and played the Beethoven Ninth symphony. I had never seen such a complete contact between conductor and orchestra; they seemed to be inside each other’s skins. There seemed to be rather extraordinary improvisation going on. This idea that an orchestra and conductor had such a degree of communication was one of my most enormous lessons in conducting, full stop — that this was even possible. From there I did whatever I could to sneak into Kubelík’s rehearsals to watch how this happens. It never occurred to me that one day I’d be at the head of the same orchestra.

What’s at the core of your compatibility with the orchestra?

I’m not always a very enthusiastic guest conductor. I tend to be terribly cautious. But when I first met them I realized immediately what a sense of collaboration there was there. This isn’t just the influence of Kubelík, but of [Mariss] Jansons. They came in with the idea of collaborating as fully as possible. How do you believe this music goes, and what can we all do together to make that a reality? I realized within half an hour at the first rehearsal that this was an orchestra I wanted to keep in touch with. Like everybody else, I thought we would have at least another decade of Mariss’s wonderful music-making. But of course, the last time the orchestra came to the United States was the last concert Mariss conducted — at Carnegie Hall, which he almost didn’t get through. He was very weak, but still full of music, and the orchestra felt they had to give him everything in return. I think that’s still a traumatic thing for an orchestra to have gone through.

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What was the thinking behind the program? With the exception of the Zemlinsky, it’s music that we’re quite familiar with. Is this in service of showing something distinctive about the BRSO?

In some ways with the touring repertoire, this is just the way this particular cookie has crumbled. But, of course, what you will hear is one of the greatest of all the German orchestras playing right in the center of their repertoire. And the Zemlinsky is this extraordinary thing, with words written by great Black American authors and interpreted by Zemlinsky. This is very typical of the Weimar time.

You just left the London Symphony Orchestra. I wonder if you could tell me a little bit about the state of the arts in England. What’s happening?

It’s a struggle in my old country — there’s absolutely no doubt. What is amazing is the level of music-making that there is, despite the fact there is so little support. My old orchestra in Birmingham, along with every other arts institution in Birmingham, just got the news that next year the funding will be cut by 50 percent, and the following year by 100 percent. That’s a very extreme example of what’s going on in our country, but it’s a struggle. The LSO, which is a wonderful orchestra — they earn their living by touring. It’s not a boring life, but it’s a brutal life. As I face my 70s, it’s just simply something I couldn’t keep doing. They need to use up somebody else. It was of course, a very, very difficult decision to make, but it was absolutely a necessary one for my family.

And what about in Germany? I’ve read interviews where you’ve commented on how differently classical music is embraced.

I mean, of course, not everything is perfect in mainland Europe, but particularly in Central Europe, music is just considered absolutely part of what is necessary. I used to enjoy very much the fact that Angela Merkel would go watch football one day and come to the Berlin Philharmonic the next. So in that way, the idea that culture is important and should be part of everybody’s life is still on the agenda. But there are a lot of discussions about radio orchestras in Europe, about whether this is still necessary, whether this should still exist, whether these should still be supported. So I think there are plenty of fights ahead. And this is a problem for the arts all over the world: simply, to put a stake in the ground and say we are here, this is still a necessity, not a luxury.

The Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra performs at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall on April 30. Visit www.washingtonperformingarts.org .

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Drunk driver in Michigan birthday party crash that killed young siblings, 4 and 8, charged with murder

An intoxicated driver was charged with murder after crashing into a Michigan business where a child's birthday party was being held and killing two young siblings, authorities announced Tuesday.

Marshella Chidester, 66, hit a building at Swan Boat Club in Berlin Charter Township around 3 p.m. on Saturday. It came to a stop 25 feet inside where the party was taking place, Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough told reporters Saturday.

In an arraignment hearing Tuesday, Chidester was charged with two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of operating under the influence of alcohol causing death and four counts of operating under the influence of alcohol causing serious injury. Her bond was set at $1.5 million. If convicted, Chidester could be sentenced to up to life in prison.

Zayn Phillips, 4, and his sister, Alanah Phillips, 8, were declared dead at the scene, Goodnough said in an update Monday. The sheriff's office previously reported that Zayn was 5-years-old.

A third sibling survived with “severe injuries," according to Andrew Brodie, the superintendent of Flat Rock Community Schools, an area public school district.

At the arraignment, Bill Colovos, an attorney for Chidester, said she has a history of epileptic seizures in her legs and lost control of the car when she crashed. He also said that his client only had one glass of wine four hours before the crash, according to a search warrant executed at the bar where she allegedly was.

"This is not a monster," Colovos said about his client, adding that she doesn't have a criminal history. "It’s horrible what happened, absolutely horrible. I have two children. It's absolutely horrible. But some things we don’t have control over."

Chidester was seen in court with a cast on her right arm, wearing a striped white and black prison uniform.

Monroe County Prosecuting Attorney Jeffery A. Yorkey refuted the claim that Chidester had a seizure during the crash and said that "her blood alcohol level was significantly over the legal limit." He didn't mention what her blood alcohol level was.

"There is no indication, whatsoever, in any of the evidence that we have uncovered in this case, that the defendant suffered from a seizure at the time of this incident," Yorkey said during the hearing.

"She indicated herself that she had some seizure issues and she was on some medication, and that she wasn't supposed to be drinking, but admitted that she had been drinking that day," Yorkey said.

A woman who identified herself as the grandmother of Zayn and Alanah spoke at the arraignment, accusing Chidester of drinking and driving.

"She chose to drink and drive and she took my grandbabies from us," the woman said.

A woman who identified herself as the aunt of the two children said she was at the scene of the crash, and saw her niece and nephew in their final moments.

"They walked into that birthday party having a fun time," she said. "They were sitting at that table, eating, and this woman crashed her car through this building, destroying all of our lives. Not just my family, everyone else that was in that building."

She says her other nephew and her sister, the children's mother, were hurt in the crash and are still fighting for their lives.

"I had to be the one to tell my sister her babies were gone when they removed her ventilator yesterday," the woman said. "She said 'How am I supposed to live without my babies?'"

"No one should ever have to go to a birthday party thinking that they’re gonna die," she said tearfully.

Zayn's birthday was coming up next month, according to Monroe County Undersheriff Joe Hammond.

"We were supposed to be planning a birthday party for Zayn, not a funeral," the child's aunt said.

Approximately 13 others were injured in the crash, Goodnough said on Saturday. Nine of those people, who range in age from 11 to 66-years-old, were hospitalized, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

Five remain in critical condition, including an 11-year-old boy, a 14-year-old boy, a 16-year-old girl, an 18-year-old woman and a 31-year-old woman.

The four other victims, who range in age from 57 to 70, had minor injuries. A 42-year-old man also received treatment on his own for minor injuries.

Chidester's next court appearance is scheduled for April 30.

Breaking news reporter

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11 tips for public football viewing

UEFA EURO 2024 will be broadcast live here

Congratulations, celebrations and goosebumps galore: The UEFA EURO 2024 promises many exciting football matches. 24 teams from all over Europe will compete against each other. Who will emerge victorious in the grand final on 14 July in Berlin's Olympic Stadium and take home the trophy? Follow the exciting football tournament. Find out where the UEFA EURO 2024 will be broadcast in Berlin here. Top 11 places for public viewing in Berlin.

Tip 1: Public viewing in front of the largest gate in the world

For UEFA EURO 2024 the Brandenburg Gate will become the largest football gate in the world. Here you can watch many matches of the European Football Championship live on the biggest screen in the city . All matches taking place in Berlin, all matches of the German national team and all matches of the elimination round (from the quarter-finals onwards) will be broadcast. You can also watch football-related films. The official fan mile runs from the Brandenburg Gate via Straße des 17. Juni to the Große Queerallee. Here you can get active on the green grass. Concerts, DJs, workshops and lots of activities for football fans are planned - and all free of charge!

Where: Platz des 18. März (square in front of the Brandenburg Gate) & Straße des 17. Juni When: daily from 2 pm - midnight, opening concert on 12 June. June

Brandenburg Gate becomes a football goal

Tip 2: Visit the mini Olympic stadium at the Reichstag

You will find the second large fan zone directly in front of the Reichstag. Here a small temporary Olympic stadium will be set up for public viewing . All 51 UEFA EURO 2024 matches will be broadcast and concerts and art events are also planned. Meet up on the meadow for a picnic, to play football and of course to cheer on your team! Admission is free.

Where: Meadow in front of the Reichstag When: 14 June to 14 July

Tip 3: Pride House Berlin - watch football in a safe space

During the European Football Championship, the Poststadion in Moabit will become a Pride House. Here, queer football fans can cheer on their favourite team in a protected space. In addition to the broadcast of all 51 matches, local sports and queer clubs will provide a colourful programme of entertainment. There will be variety shows, concerts, parties and art. Among other things, you can see the exhibition fan.tastic females. The opening is on 14 June.

Where: Lehrter Straße 59, Moabit When: 14 June to 14 July. July  on all 51 match days and during the final week

More about LGBTQ+ in Berlin

Tip 4: Public viewing & art in the beer garden at Radical Playgrounds

There is also a nice beer garden as part of the Radical Playground art trail in the car park in front of the Gropiusbau. Here you can meet up, chat and watch the European Football Championship matches in a cosy atmosphere. A special highlight is the performance by Massimo Furlan, who is re-enacting the historic 1974 World Cup football match between the GDR and the FRG . Unexpectedly, the GDR won 1:0 and the venue for the performance is Niederkirchnerstraße, where the Berlin Wall once stood. The re-enactment will take place on 7 and 8 July from 8 pm, admission from 7 pm. All activities and the art trail are free of charge.

When: 27 April to 14 July, Wednesday to Sunday 11 am - 8 pm Where: Niederkirchnerstraße 7, Kreuzberg

Radical Playgrounds

Tip 5: Soda Beach Garden invites you to public viewing in the courtyard of the Kulturbrauerei

The Kulturbrauerei courtyard will become a stadium for UEFA EURO 2024. All matches will be broadcast in the large inner courtyard on a really big LED screen. There will also be hearty food from the barbecue and fresh beer. In previous years, DJs have also played at the Happy HOur on Friday and Saturday. If it rains, the game will be broadcast on large screens in one of the Kulturbrauerei's event rooms.

When: all matches Where: Schönhauser Allee 36, Prenzlauer Berg

Kulturbrauerei

Tip 6: Watch football right by the water at the Café am Neuen See

Idyllic: Located right by the water, the Café am Neuen See invites you to the beer garden for public viewing. All matches that take place during regular opening hours will be shown - rain or shine. Only in the event of thunderstorms will be cancelled for safety reasons. You can look forward to a ticket specially tailored to UEFA EURO 2024. Admission is free and children are also very welcome

Where: Lichtensteinallee 2,Tiergarten When: Daily 9 am - midnight Café am Neuen See

Tip 7: Barbecue and watch football at Zollpackhof

In a typical beer garden atmosphere , Zollpackhof will be broadcasting the UEFA EURO 2024 matches. There will be freshly tapped beer and tasty food from the barbecue for public viewing. Watch football under shady chestnut trees and let yourself be carried away by the fantastic atmosphere. You only need a reservation if you are travelling in groups of eight or more. It's best to register briefly via mail [at]zollpackhof.de.

Where: Elisabeth-Abegg-Straße 1, Tiergarten When: Public viewing daily from 14 June to 14 July. July, 9 pm - midnight

Zollpackhof 

Tip 8: Cheer for your team in Berlin's oldest beer garden

Berlin's oldest beer garden has been spruced up for the new season and awaits you with new furniture and a new menu. The old trees have remained. The Prater is a cosy place to sit and watch the UEFA EURO 2024 matches, even in larger groups. Where: Kastanienallee 7-9, Prenzlauer Berg When: tba

Tip 9: Watch football with friends in the Zenner Biergarten

There's always something going on in the Zenner Bier- und Weingarten: concerts and open-air cinema promise entertaining evenings right on the Spree in an iconic Berlin atmosphere. In winter, you can go ice skating here and, of course, watch all the UEFA EURO 2024 matches in the summer.

Where: Kastanienallee 7-9, Treptow When: tba

More beer gardens in Berlin

Tip 10: Toast your team with craft beer at Brlo am Gleisdreieckpark

The Berlin craft beer brewery also invites you to public viewing in the beer garden . The games will be shown on a big screen, accompanied by craft beer, burgers, fries and other delicious barbecue specialities. Be sure to try the BBQ popcorn and the home-brewed grapefruit Radler. Where: Schöneberger 16, Kreuzberg When: tba

BRLO brwhouse

Tip 11: Climbing and watching football in the Jungfernheide forest high ropes course

The viewing tip for families: the Waldhochseilgarten will definitely be broadcasting all of the German national team's matches, as well as a few more depending on the time and weather. Here you can sit on beer benches and cosy deckchairs - while the kids let off steam in the climbing forest. The public viewing is free of charge , but as there are only a limited number of seats, the operators ask you to book in advance. This way you can also be notified if the broadcast has to be cancelled due to bad weather.

Where: Heckerdamm 260, Charlottenburg When: Public viewing for all matches of the German national football team, as well as after announcement

Waldhochseilgarten Jungfernheide More football pubs and public viewing tips (tba): 

• Football on five screens, table football and draught beer
• Watching football on the beach
• Beer garden with a view of the Müggelspree
• cult atmosphere, because here you can go from the beer garden (Baergarten) directly into the Club
• Spandau plenty of space for public viewing in the historic walls (expected 500 seats & 3000 standing room)
• several screens, foosball tables & karaoke
• several screens and big screen
• several screens in the large beer garden
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